roof CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 2.G User Guide

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints 3-23
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest. However, they are
only designed to inflate if the
impact exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how
severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an objectstraight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable,
narrow or wide.
Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
Frontal knee airbags, if equipped,
are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe frontal or near frontal
impacts that exceed a
predetermined deployment
threshold.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbagsinflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact airbags for the driver and
front passenger. The vehicle may
have seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the second row outboard
passengers. The vehicle has
roof-rail airbags. See
Airbag System
on page 3‑19. Seat-mounted side
impact airbags, if equipped, and
roof-rail airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof‐rail airbags are intended to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Seat-mounted
side impact airbags, if equipped,
and roof-rail airbags will inflate if the
crash severity is above the system's
designed threshold level. The
threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Roof‐rail airbags are not intended
to inflate in rear impacts. A
seat-mounted side impact airbag,

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
3-24 Seats and Restraints
if equipped, is intended to inflate on
the side of the vehicle that is struck.
Both roof‐rail airbags will inflate
when either side of the vehicle is
struck or if the sensing system
predicts that the vehicle is about to
roll over on its side, or in a severe
frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag location, seeWhere Are
the Airbags? on page 3‑21.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by safety belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof‐rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof‐rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of
full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections. But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? on
page 3‑23 for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to safety belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After the frontal airbags and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize an airbag inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? on page 3‑21.
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints 3-31
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing or
moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, roof-rail airbag
modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, front sensors, side
impact sensors, or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑26. The vehicle has rollover roof‐rail
airbags, see
Different Size Tires
and Wheels on page 10‑54 for
additional important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices on
page 13‑3.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-4 Instruments and Controls
Rear Window Wiper/
Washer
For vehicles with the rear wiper/
washer, the controls are on the end
of the windshield wiper lever.
ON:Press the upper portion of the
button for continuous rear window
wipes.
OFF: The rear wiper turns off when
the button is returned to the middle
position.
INT (Intermittent Rear Wipes):
Press the lower portion of the button
to set a delay between wipes.
=(Rear Washer): Push the
windshield wiper lever forward to
spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The lever returns to its
starting position when released.
The windshield washer reservoir is
used for the windshield and the rear
window. Check the fluid level in the
reservoir if either washer is not
working. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑21.
Compass
The vehicle may have a compass
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). The compass receives
its heading and other information
from the Global Positioning
System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak,
and vehicle speed information.
Avoid covering the GPS antenna,
located on the roof, for long periods
of time with objects that may
interfere with the antenna's ability to
receive a satellite signal. The
compass system is designed to
operate for a certain number of miles or degrees of turn before
needing a signal from the GPS
satellites. When the compass
display shows CAL, drive the
vehicle for a short distance in an
open area where it can receive a
GPS signal. The compass system
will automatically determine when
the GPS signal is restored and
provide a heading again.
Clock
The infotainment system controls
are used to access the time and
date settings through the menu
system. See
Operation on page 7‑6
for information about how to use the
menu system.
Setting the Clock
To set the time and date:
1. Press the TP (Time Program)
button or
H(depending on
radio).
2. Select Time and Date Settings.
3. Select Set Time or Set Date.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
7-14 Infotainment System
Fixed Mast Antenna
Vehicles without OnStar have a
fixed mast antenna that can
withstand most car washes without
being damaged. If the mast should
ever become slightly bent,
straighten it out by hand. If the
mast is badly bent, replace it.
Check occasionally to make sure
the mast is still tightened to the
antenna base located on the roof of
the vehicle. If tightening is required,
tighten by hand.
Satellite Radio Antenna
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is
located on the roof of the vehicle.
Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear radio
reception.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, the
performance of the XM system
(if equipped) may be affected if
the sunroof is open.
Audio Players
CD Player
The CD player can play audio CDs
and MP3 CDs.
The CD player will not play 8 cm
(3 in) CDs.
Care of CDs
Sound quality can be reduced due
to disc quality, recording method,
quality of the music recorded, and
how the disc has been handled.
Handle discs carefully and store
them in their original cases or other
protective cases away from direct
sunlight and dust. If the bottom
surface of a disc is damaged, the
disc may not play properly or at all.
Do not touch the bottom surface of
a disc while handling it; this could
damage the surface. Pick up discs
by grasping the outer edges or the
edge of the hole and the outer edge.
If the bottom surface of a disc is
dirty, take a soft, lint‐free cloth,
or dampen a clean, soft cloth in amild neutral detergent solution
mixed with water, and clean it. Wipe
the disc from the center to the
outer edge.
Care of the CD Player
Do not add a label to a disc, as it
could get caught in the CD player.
If a label is needed, label the top of
the recorded disc with a
marking pen.
Do not use disc lens cleaners
because they could contaminate the
lens of the disc optics and damage
the CD player.
Notice:
If a label is added to a
CD, more than one CD is inserted
into the slot at a time, or an
attempt is made to play scratched
or damaged CDs, the CD player
could be damaged. While using
the CD player, use only CDs in
good condition without any label,
load one CD at a time, and keep
the CD player and the loading slot
free of foreign materials, liquids,
and debris.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-19
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below
−18°C (0°F). Vehicles with an
engine heater should be plugged in
at least four hours before starting.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap theelectrical cord. The cord is
located in the driver side of the
engine compartment, near the
battery. It is shipped from the factory with a tie holding it in
place. Use care in removing the
tie so that the cord is not
damaged.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING
Plugging the cord into an
ungrounded outlet could cause an
electrical shock. Also, the wrong
kind of extension cord could
overheat and cause a fire. You
could be seriously injured. Plug
the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a
heavy-duty three-prong extension
cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the
cord as it was before to keep it
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be
damaged. The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
.Sunroof
The power windows and sunroof will
continue to work for up to
10 minutes or until any door is
opened. The radio will work when
the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
the radio will continue to work for
10 minutes, or until the driver door is
opened or the key is removed from
the ignition.

Black plate (35,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-35
Number Usage1 Front Wiper Speed
Relay
2 Antilock Brake
System Pump
3 Front Wiper
Control Relay
4 Front Wiper
5 Blower
6 Antilock Brake
System Valve
7 Sunroof
8 Not Used
9 Rear Wiper
10 Regulated Voltage
Control
11 Antilock Brake
System Fluid
12 Automatic
Occupant
Sensing/ROS Number Usage
13 Outside Rearview
Mirror
14 Rear Window
Defogger Relay
15 Rear Window
Defogger
16 Spare
17 Spare
18 Spare
19 Spare
20 Spare
21 Spare
22 Spare
23 Not Used
24 Run/Crank
25 Run/Crank Relay
26 Not Used
27 Not Used

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-38 Vehicle Care
Number Usage12 Body Control
Module
13 Body Control
Module
14 Instrument Panel
Cluster
15 OnStar
16 Ultrasonic Parking
Assist
17 Driver Information
Center
18 Audio
19 Trailer
20 VLBS
21 CHEVYSTAR Number Usage
22 Heating,
Ventilation, Air
Conditioning
23 HDLP ALC
24 Clutch
25 Instrument Panel
Cluster/Automatic
Occupant Sensing
26 Airbag Run/Crank
27 Run Relay
28 Tailgate Relay
29 Trailer Run/Crank
30 Clock Spring
31 Heating,
Ventilation, and Air
Conditioning Number Usage
32 Spare
33 Sunroof
34 Cigarette Lighter
35 Spare
36 Rear Power
Windows
37 Front Power
Windows
38 RAP/ACCY
39 DC/DC Converter
40 Driver Power
Window
41 PTC2
42 PTC1
43 Battery Connector

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-5
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. SeeExterior Care on
page 10‑80.
.Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑17.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care on page 10‑80.
.Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check on page 10‑25.
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10‑26.
.Check ignition transmission lock.
See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑26.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10‑27.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2‑17.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
INDEX i-9
R
Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . . 13-15
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Radios AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 5-4
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-16
Recreational Vehicle
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Replacement Parts Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-32
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Replacing Safety Belt
System Parts after a Crash . . . 3-18
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Roads
Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5 Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . 12-3
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
S
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
How to Wear Safety BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . 3-18
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 3-17
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-17