manual transmission CHEVROLET SONIC 2012 2.G Owners Manual

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner ManualM
Driving and Operating. . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-23
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-29
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-39 Vehicle Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9 Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-16
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-12
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-3
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-15
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-19
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-19
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-3
A.Air Vents on page 8‑3.
B. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
C. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑5.
D. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑4.
E. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑8.
F. Horn on page 5‑2.
G. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
H. Display Screen.
I. Infotainment on page 7‑1.
J. Storage.
K. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10‑4.
L. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑13. M.
Cruise Control on page 9‑32.
N. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
O. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
P. Ignition Switch. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑15.
Q. Central Locking System on
page 2‑7.
R. Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
S. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑23
(If Equipped) or Manual
Transmission on page 9‑26
(If Equipped).
T. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑3.
U. Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑26.Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.
Starting the Engine
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. It assists in starting the
engine and protects components.
If the ignition key is turned to
START and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine
will continue cranking for a few
seconds or until the engine starts.
If the engine does not start and the
key is held in START, cranking will
be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent damage. To prevent gear
damage, cranking is not allowed if
the engine is running. Engine

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-13
F. Rear Window Defogger
G. Recirculation
Climate Control System withHeater Only
A. Temperature Control
B. Fan Control
C. Air Delivery Mode Control
D. Rear Window Defogger
E. Recirculation
See Climate Control Systems on
page 8‑1.
Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode
This position allows you to change
gears similar to a manual
transmission. To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from
D (Drive) rearward to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the + (plus) end of thebutton on the side of the shift
lever to upshift, or push the −
(minus) end of the button to
downshift.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑25.
Manual Transmission
Up‐Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission may have an up-shift
light. This light indicates when to
shift to the next higher gear for
better fuel economy.
For the best fuel economy,
accelerate slowly and shift when the
light comes on, if weather, road, and
traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and
off if the accelerator position
changes quickly. Ignore the light
during downshifts.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
1-14 In Brief
Reverse Lockout
The manual transmission is
equipped with a lock ring to prevent
shifting into R (Reverse). To shift
into R (Reverse), press down
the clutch pedal, lift up the ring on
the shift lever, and shift into
R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch
pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
SeeManual Transmission on
page 9‑26.
Vehicle Features
Radio(s)
O
/VOL: Press to turn the system
on or off.
Turn to increase or decrease the
volume.
When the system is on, press and
release
O/VOL to mute the system.
Press and release
O/VOL again to
turn the sound back on.
RADIO/BAND: Press to choose FM,
AM, or XM™ (if equipped).
SEEK
¨:
.Radio: Seeks the next station.
.CD: Select the next track or fast
forwards within a track.
©SEEK:
.Radio: Seeks the previous
station.
.CD: Select the previous track or
rewinds within a track. MENU/TUNE:
Turn to navigate the
available menus. Turn to search for
stations.
CD/AUX: Press to play a CD when
listening to the radio.
For more information about these
and other radio features, see
Operation on page 7‑6.
Storing a Favorite Station
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.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-7
To lock or unlock the doors from
inside the vehicle:
.PressQorKon the central
locking switch.
.Pull the door handle. Pulling the
door handle again unlatches
the door.
.Use the lock knob on the top of
the door panel.
Central Locking System
This system allows for the doors
and liftgate/trunk to be locked and
unlocked from the RKE transmitter
or the central locking switch located
on the center stack.
The system can be programed, see
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27.
Door Ajar Reminder
If one of the doors, the trunk, or the
liftgate is not closed properly while
the ignition is on, the door ajar light
on the instrument panel comes on
and stays on until the doors are
closed.
Delayed Locking
PressingQon the central locking
switch or on the RKE transmitter
when this feature is on will delay
the locking of the doors until
five seconds after the last door is
closed. Three chimes will signal
that delayed locking is in use. See
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27 for more information.
Automatic Door Locks
The vehicle is programmed so that
when the doors are closed, the
ignition is on, and the shift lever is
moved out of P (Park) for automatic
transmissions, or when the vehicle
speed is above 13 km/h (8 mph) for
manual transmissions, the doors
and the trunk/tailgate will lock.

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
2-8 Keys, Doors, and Windows
To unlock the doors and the trunk/
tailgate:
.PressKon the center stack.
.For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, shift the
transmission into P (Park).
.For vehicle with a manual
transmission, remove the key
from the ignition.
This feature can be programmed,
see Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑27 for more information.
Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent
passengers from opening the rear
doors from inside the vehicle.
Press{to activate the safety locks
on the rear doors. A LED indicator
comes on when activated.
Press
{again to deactivate the
safety locks.
Doors
Trunk (Sedan)
{WARNING
Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open, or with
any objects that pass through the
seal between the body and the
trunk/hatch or liftgate. Engine
exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:
.Close all of the windows.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)

Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
5-8 Instruments and Controls
Instrument Cluster
United States Manual Transmission Shown, Canada Similar

Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-13
It should go out when the engine is
started. If it stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery. If a short
distance must be driven with the
light on, turn off all accessories,
such as the radio and air conditioner
to help reduce the drain on the
battery.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, to produce
a cleaner environment. This light
comes on when the vehicle is
placed in ON/RUN, as a check to
show it is working. If it does not,have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. See
Ignition Positions on
page 9‑15 for more information.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and stays on while the
engine is running, this indicates that
there is an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system assists
the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as
smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:
Modifications made to the
engine, transmission, exhaust,
intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than
those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can
affect the vehicle's emission
controls and can cause this light
to come on. Modifications to
these systems could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
result in a failure to pass a
required Emission Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10‑3.
This light comes on during a
malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition
has been detected. A misfire
increases vehicle emissions and

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.