service CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 2.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-16 Instruments and Controls
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
{WARNING
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the ignition is turned to ON.
If it does not come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will also come
on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking
brake does not fully release. If it
stays on after the parking brake is
fully released, it means there is a
brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
carefully pull off the road and stop.
The pedal may be harder to push or
may go closer to the floor. It may
take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for
service. See
Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑77.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF or if the light comes
on, stop as soon as possible and
turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system.
If the light still stays on, or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the brakes will still
work, but the antilock brakes will not

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-17
work. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, the antilock
brakes will not work and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 5‑16.
The ABS warning light will come on
briefly when the ignition is turned to
ON/RUN. This is normal. If the light
does not come on then, have it fixed
so it will be ready to warn if there is
a problem.
Up-Shift Light
For manual transmission vehicles,
there is an up-shift light that comes
on in the lower DIC area. It shows
when to shift to the next higher gear
for best fuel economy. See
Manual Transmission on
page 9‑26 for more information.
Speed Sensitive Power
Steering (SSPS) Warning
Light
If this warning light comes on after
the vehicle ignition is started or
while driving, the speed sensitive
power steering may not be working.
See your dealer for service.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-18 Instruments and Controls
SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑29 andStabiliTrak®
System on page 9‑31 for more
information.
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the TCS is off, the system does
not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak
systems and the warning light
turns off. See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑29 andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑31 for more
information
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
The StabiliTrak system or the
Traction Control System (TCS)
indicator/warning light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by the dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS, and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled. A DIC
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
If the indicator/warning light is on
and flashing, the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak system is actively
working.
See
StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑31 andTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 9‑29 for
more information.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-19
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by the dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator
light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the engine
coolant temperature warning light
on could cause the vehicle to
overheat. See Engine Overheating
on page 10‑20. The vehicle's
engine could be damaged, and it
might not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature
warning light on.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating on page 10‑20
for more information.Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
tire pressure message may also
display. See Vehicle Messages on
page 5‑26 for more information.
Stop as soon as possible, and
inflate the tires to the pressure value
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑45 for more information. When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light
will come on at every ignition cycle.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10‑47 for more
information.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
If the vehicle has low engine oil
pressure, this light will stay on after
the engine is started, or come on
while driving.

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-20 Instruments and Controls
This indicates that the engine is not
receiving enough oil. The engine
could be low on oil, or could have
some other oil problem. Have it
fixed immediately by your dealer.
The oil light could also come on in
other situations:
.When the ignition is on but the
engine is not running, the light
will come on as a test to show it
is working. The light will go out
when the ignition is turned on.
If it does not come on with the
ignition on, there may be a
problem with the fuse or bulb.
Have it fixed right away.
.If the vehicle comes to a hard
stop, the light may come on for a
moment. This is normal.
{WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil
pressure is low. The engine can
become so hot that it catches fire.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Someone could be burned. Check
the oil as soon as possible and
have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always follow the maintenance
schedule for changing engine oil.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light comes on when the
vehicle is low on fuel. The low fuel warning light comes on
when there are approximately 6.0 L
(1.7 gal) of fuel remaining in
the tank.
To turn the light off, add fuel to the
fuel tank. See
Filling the Tank on
page 9‑37.
Immobilizer Light
The immobilizer light should come
on briefly as the engine is started.
If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See Vehicle Security on
page 2‑11 for more information.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-21
Reduced Engine Power
Light
The reduced engine power light
should come on briefly as the
engine is started. If it does not come
on have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer.
This light, along with the service
engine soon light, displays when a
noticeable reduction in the vehicle's
performance occurs. Stop the
vehicle and turn off the ignition.
Wait for 10 seconds and restart the
vehicle. This might correct the
condition.The vehicle can be driven at a
reduced speed when the reduced
engine power light is on but
acceleration and speed might be
reduced. The performance could be
reduced until the next time the
vehicle is driven. If this light stays
on, see your dealer as soon as
possible for diagnosis and repair.High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the
high-beam headlamps are in use.
See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer on page 6‑2 for more
information.
Daytime Running Lamps
(DRL) Indicator Light
This light turns on whenever the
Daytime Running Lamps are in use.
See Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑2 for more information.
Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with fog lamps, this
light comes on when the fog lamps
are on.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-26 Instruments and Controls
Tire Learn
Press MENU to show the tire learn
display. This display allows for
matching of the TPMS sensors. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System on
page 10‑46andTire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 10‑47 for
more information.Vehicle Messages
DIC messages display when the
status of the vehicle has changed
and action may be needed to
correct the condition. Multiple
messages appear one after another.
Press any of the DIC buttons on the
turn signal lever to acknowledge
and clear them from the display.
More urgent messages cannot be
cleared from the DIC display. All
messages should be taken
seriously. Clearing messages will
not correct the problem.
Vehicle messages appear as code
numbers.
15: Center High Mounted Brake
Lamp Failure
16: Service Brake Lamps
18: Left Low Beam Failure 20:
Right Low Beam Failure
21: Left Front Position Lamp
Failure
22: Right Front Position Lamp
Failure
23: Reversing Lamp Failure
24: License Plate Lamp Failure
25: Left Front Turn Indicator Failure
26: Left Rear Turn Indicator Failure
27: Right Front Turn Indicator
Failure
28: Right Rear Turn Indicator
Failure
82: Change Engine Oil Soon
84: Engine Power Is Reduced
89: Service Vehicle Soon
128: Hood Open

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Infotainment System 7-11
3. Select the programming type.A list of stations that transmit
programming of the selected
type displays.
4. Select the station. The category lists are updated
when the station lists are
updated.
Updating Station and Category
Lists
If stations stored in the station list
can no longer be received:
1. Turn the MENU/TUNE knob.
2. Select Update AM or FM Station List, if the stations stored in the
station list are no longer
received. A station search will be
completed and the first station in
the updated list will play.
To cancel the station search, press
the MENU/TUNE button.Storing a Station as a Favorite
Stations from all bands can be
stored in any order in the favorite
pages.
Up to six stations can be stored in
each favorite page and the number
of available favorite pages can
be set.
Storing Stations
To store the station to a position in
the list, press the corresponding
button 1 to 6 until a beep is heard.
Retrieving Stations
Press the FAV 1‐2‐3 button to open
a favorite page or to switch to
another favorite page. Briefly press
one of the 1 to 6 buttons to retrieve
the station.
Satellite Radio
XM Satelite Radio Service
XM is a satellite radio service based
in the 48 contiguous United States
and 10 Canadian provinces. XM
Satellite Radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free
music, coast to coast, and in
digital-quality sound. A service fee
is required to receive the XM
service. For more information,
contact XM at www.xmradio.com or
1-800-929-2100 in the U.S. and
www.xmradio.ca or
1-877-438-9677 in Canada.
Finding a Channel
BAND: Press to choose FM, AM,
or XM. The display will show the
selection.
SEEK
¨: Press to seek the next
XM channel.
©SEEK: Press to seek the
previous XM channel.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
7-12 Infotainment System
MENU/TUNE:Turn to go to the
next XM channel.
Storing an XM Channel
Drivers are encouraged to set up
XM channel favorites while the
vehicle is not moving. Tune to
favorite stations using the
pushbuttons, favorites button, and
steering wheel controls. See
Defensive Driving on page 9‑3.
A maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the
six pushbuttons positioned below
the radio station frequency labels
and by using the radio favorites
page button (FAV 1‐2‐3 button).
Press the FAV 1‐2‐3 button to go
through up to six pages of favorites,
each having six favorite stations
available per page. If Automatic
Store is used, then four pages of
favorites are available. Each page
of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM
channels. To store an XM channel
as a favorite:
1. Tune in the desired channel. 2. Press and release the FAV 1‐2‐3
button to display the page where
the channel is to be stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons until a
beep sounds. When the
pushbutton is pressed and
released, the channel that was
set will return.
4. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for each XM channel to be stored
as a favorite.
To set up the number of favorites
pages:
1. Press and hold FAV 1‐2‐3 until the radio setup menu displays.
2. Select the desired number of favorites pages by pressing the
pushbutton located below the
displayed page numbers.
3. Press FAV 1‐2‐3 to return to the original main radio screen
showing the radio frequency
tabs and to begin the process of programming favorites for the
chosen number of numbered
pages.XM Radio Messages
UPDATING:
The encryption code
in the receiver is being updated, and
no action is required. This process
should take no longer than
30 seconds.
NO SIGNAL: The system is
functioning correctly, but the vehicle
is in a location that is blocking the
XM signal. When the vehicle is
moved into an open area, the signal
should return.
LOADING: The audio system is
acquiring and processing audio and
text data. No action is needed. This
message should disappear shortly.
OFF AIR: This channel is not
currently in service. Tune in to
another channel.
CH UNAVAILABLE: This
previously assigned channel is no
longer assigned. Tune to another

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Infotainment System 7-13
station. If this station was one of the
presets, choose another station for
that preset button.
RADIO ID:If tuned to channel 0,
this message alternates with the XM
Radio eight‐digit radio ID label. This
label is needed to activate the
service.
CHECK XM TUNER: If this
message does not clear within a
short period of time, the receiver
could have a fault. Consult with your
dealer.
Radio Reception
Frequency interference and static
can occur during normal radio
reception if items such as cell phone
chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic
devices are plugged into the
accessory power outlet. If there is
interference or static, unplug the
item from the accessory power
outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. For better radio
reception, most AM radio stations
boost the power levels during the
day, and then reduce these levels
during the night. Static can also
occur when things like storms and
power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try
reducing the treble on the radio.
FM Stereo
FM signals only reach about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the
radio has a built-in electronic circuit
that automatically works to reduce
interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or
hills, causing the sound to fade in
and out.
XM Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives
digital radio reception from coast to
coast in the 48 contiguous United
States, and in Canada. Just as
with FM, tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and
out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges,
garages, or tunnels may cause loss
of the XM signal for a period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause
interference with the vehicle's radio.
This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls,
charging the phone's battery, or
simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased
level of static while listening to the
radio. If static is received while
listening to the radio, unplug the
cellular phone and turn it off.