light CHEVROLET SONIC 2013 2.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Seats and Restraints 3-29
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
SeePassenger Sensing System on
page 3‑24.
The vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels on page 10‑56 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.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light on
page 5‑11. Notice:
If an airbag covering is
damaged, opened, or broken, the
airbag may not work properly. Do
not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or
airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbags, see
Where Are the Airbags? on
page 3‑19. See your dealer for
service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
{WARNING
A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not work properly and may not
protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death. To
help make sure the airbag
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light on
page 5‑11.

Black plate (46,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
3-46 Seats and Restraints
{WARNING
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured
or killed if the passenger frontal
airbag inflates. This is because
the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to
the inflating airbag. A child in a
forward-facing child restraint can
be seriously injured or killed if the
passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger airbag(s), no
system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
inflate under some unusual
circumstance, even though the
airbag(s) are off.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the
airbag(s) are off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in
the front outboard passenger
seat, always move the seat as far
back as it will go. It is better to
secure the child restraint in a
rear seat.
If the child restraint has the LATCH
system, see Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3‑37 for how to
install your child restraint using
LATCH. If a child restraint is secured
using a safety belt and it uses a top
tether, see Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) on page 3‑37 for top tether
anchor locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor
if a national or local law requires
that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the
child restraint say that the top strap
must be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have
a top tether, and that the tether be
attached.
You will be using the lap-shoulder
belt to secure the child restraint in
this position. Follow the instructions
that came with the child restraint.
1. Move the seat as far back as it
will go before securing the
forward-facing child restraint.
When the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag, the off
indicator on the passenger
airbag status indicator should
light and stay lit when you start
the vehicle. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on
page 5‑11.
2. Put the child restraint on the seat.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-3
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-10
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-11
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Service Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Brake System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Power Steering Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
StabiliTrak®OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-17
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . 5-17 Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-19
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-19
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . 5-21
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-26

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
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.
m =REAR (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 10‑20.
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 7‑8
for information about how to use the
menu system.
Radio Without Touchscreen
To set the time and date:
1. Press
H.
2. Select Time and Date Settings.
3. Select Set Time or Set Date.
4. Turn the MENU/TUNE knob to adjust the highlighted value.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-5
5. Press the MENU/TUNE knob toselect the next value.
6. To save the time or date and return to the Time and Date
Settings menu, press the
/
BACK button at any time or
press the MENU/TUNE knob
after adjusting the minutes
or year.
To set the 12/24 hour format:
1. Press
H.
2. Select Time and Date Settings.
3. Highlight Set Time Format.
4. Press the MENU/TUNE knob to select the 12 hour or 24 hour
display format.
To set the month and day format:
1. Press
H.
2. Select Time and Date Settings.
3. Highlight Set Date Format. 4. Press the MENU/TUNE knob to
select MM/DD/YYYY (month/
day/year), or DD/MM/YYYY
(day/month/year), or YYYY/MM/
DD (year/month/day).
Radio With Touchscreen
The infotainment system controls
are used to access the time and
date settings through the menu
system. See Operation on page 7‑8
for information about how to use the
menu system.
Setting the 12/24 Hour Format
1. PressD, and then press
settings.
2. Press time and date settings.
3. Select 12/24 HR Format.
4. Press
4.
Setting the Month and Day
Format
1. PressD, and then press
settings.
2. Press time and date settings. 3. Press
SorTto set the date
display to DD/MM/YYYY (day/
month/year), MM/DD/YYYY
(month/day/year), or YYYY/MM/
DD (year/month/day) display
format.
4. Press
4.
Setting the Time and Date
1. PressD, and then press
settings.
2. Press time and date settings, and then set time and date.
3. Press
yorzto adjust the
value.
4. Press
4.
Automatic Clock Sync
1. PressD, and then press
settings.
2. Press time and date settings, and then automatic clock sync.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
5-6 Instruments and Controls
3. Select On to display the realtime or Off to display the time
set by the user.
4. Press
4.
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has an accessory
power outlet located in front of the
cupholders on the center floor
console.
Remove the cover to access and
replace when not in use.
{WARNING
Power is always supplied to the
outlets. Do not leave electrical
equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the
vehicle could catch fire and cause
injury or death. Notice:
Leaving electrical
equipment plugged in for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is off will drain the
battery. Always unplug electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating.
Certain accessory power plugs may
not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
overload vehicle or adapter fuses.
If a problem is experienced, see
your dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included with
the equipment. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment on page 9‑38.
Notice: Hanging heavy
equipment from the power outlet
can cause damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. The
power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Cigarette Lighter
For vehicles with a cigarette lighter,
it is located in the center floor
console.
The ignition must be turned to ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
To activate the cigarette lighter,
push it into the heating element and
let go. When the lighter is ready it
will pop back out.
Notice: Holding a cigarette lighter
in while it is heating does not let
the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot.
Damage from overheating can
occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be
blown. Do not hold a cigarette
lighter in while it is heating.

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-7
Ashtrays
The vehicle may have a removable
ashtray.
The removable ashtray can be
placed in the front cupholders. To
open the removable ashtray, lift the
lid of the ashtray. After using, close
the lid.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other
flammable items are put in the
ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite
them and possibly damage the
vehicle. Never put flammable
items in the ashtray.
Warning Lights,
Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can
signal that something is wrong
before it becomes serious enough
to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to the
warning lights and gauges could
prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Some warning lights come
on briefly when the engine is started
to indicate they are working. Gauges can indicate when there
could be a problem with a vehicle
function. Often gauges and warning
lights work together to indicate a
problem with the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights
comes on and stays on while
driving, or when one of the gauges
shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly
and even dangerous.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-9
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the
vehicle's speed in either kilometers
per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the
vehicle has been driven, in either
kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer measures the
distance the vehicle has been
driven since the function was last
reset.
Press the reset stem in the lower
right of the tachometer to toggle
between the odometer and the trip
odometer. To reset the trip odometer
to zero, press and hold the reset
stem while the trip odometer is
being displayed. Be careful not to
reset the engine oil life monitor
accidentally.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine
speed in revolutions per
minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates about how
much fuel is left when the ignition is
turned to ON/RUN.
When the tank nears empty, the low
fuel warning light will come on.
There is still a little fuel left, but the
vehicle's fuel tank should be filled
soon. SeeLow Fuel Warning Light
on page 5‑19 for more information.
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates on which side of the
vehicle the fuel door is located.

Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
5-10 Instruments and Controls
Here are four things that some
owners ask about. None of these
show a problem with the fuel gauge:
.At the service station, the gas
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
.It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated. For example, the
gauge may have indicated the
tank was half full, but it actually
took a little more or less than
half the tank's capacity to fill
the tank.
.The indicator moves a little when
turning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge goes back to empty
when the ignition is turned off.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt
Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑24.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind passengers to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is
moving.
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may turn on
if an object is put on the seat such
as a briefcase, handbag, grocery
bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the warning light
and/or chime, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Instruments and Controls 5-11
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System on page 3‑17.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System on page 3‑24 for
important safety information. The
instrument panel has a passenger
airbag status indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF, or the symbol
for on and off, for several seconds
as a system check. If you use
remote start, if equipped, to start the
vehicle, you may not see the system
check. Then, after several seconds,
the status indicator will light either
ON or OFF, or the on or off symbol
to let you know the status of the
front outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag.