key CHEVROLET SONIC 2013 2.G Owners Manual

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
2013 Chevrolet Sonic Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Luggage/Load Locations . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-26
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26 Downloadable Applications . . . 7-45
Bluetooth Phone/Devices . . . . . 7-50
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-13
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-21
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-38

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/18/12
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
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 . . . . 1-11
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 . . . . . . . . 1-18
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-19
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/18/12
1-4 In Brief
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. Enginecranking can be stopped by turning
the ignition key to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. See
Starting the Engine on page 9‑16.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The RKE transmitter may work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
RKE without Remote Start Shown
Press the key release button to
extend the key blade. The key can
be used for the ignition and all
locks. Press
Kto unlock the driver door or
all doors.
Press
Qto lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑26.
Press
Vto release the trunk.
Press and release
7to initiate
vehicle locator.
Press and hold
7for at least
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm.
Press
7again to cancel the panic
alarm.
See Keys on page 2‑1 andRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.
Remote Vehicle Start
For vehicles with this feature, the
engine can be started from outside
the vehicle.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/18/12
In Brief 1-5
Starting the Vehicle
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at thevehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/for at
least two seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑4.
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from
outside the vehicle:
.Use the key in the driver door to
lock all doors or unlock the
driver door only.
.PressQorKon the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
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.
For more information see:
.Door Locks on page 2‑6.
.Central Locking System on
page 2‑7.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/18/12
1-6 In Brief
Liftgate
To lock or unlock the liftgate from
the inside, press
QorKon the
central locking switch located on the
center stack.
To open the liftgate from the
outside, press
Kon the
RKE transmitter, then use the
touch pad.
See Liftgate (Hatchback) on
page 2‑9.
Trunk Release
To lock or unlock the trunk from the
outside, press
QorKon the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3.
To lock or unlock the trunk from the
inside, press
QorKon the central
locking switch located on the center
stack.
To open the trunk from outside of
the vehicle:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter,
then use the touch pad.
.PressVon the
RKE transmitter.
See Trunk (Sedan) on page 2‑8 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3.
Windows
Manual Windows
Use the window crank to open and
close each window.
See Manual Windows on page 2‑15.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-7
Door Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Doors
Trunk (Sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Liftgate (Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . 2-10
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . 2-11
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-15
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous and
children or others could be
seriously injured or killed. They
could operate the power windows
or other controls or make the
vehicle move. The windows will
function with the RKE transmitter
in the vehicle, and children or
others could be caught in the path
of a closing window. Do not leave
children in a vehicle with an RKE
transmitter.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The key that is part of the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can
be used for the ignition and all
locks.Press the button on the RKE
transmitter to extend the key. Press
the button and the key blade to
retract the key.
See your dealer if a new key is
needed.
If the vehicle has an ignition, and it
becomes difficult to turn they key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,
seeRoadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑5.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑15 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter may work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System on page 2‑2.
RKE without Remote Start Shown
The following buttons are on the
transmitter:
Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The turn signal indicators may flash
and/or the horn may sound to indicate locking. See
“Remote
Locking, Unlocking, Starting” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑26.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock except the
driver door, if Unlocked Door Anti
Lock Out is enabled through the
vehicle personalization. See
“Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑26. If the passenger door is
open when
Qis pressed, all
doors lock.
Pressing
Qmay also arm the
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System on page 2‑10.
K(Unlock): Press to unlock the
driver door or all doors. See
“Remote Locking, Unlocking,
Starting” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑26. The
turn signal indicators flash to
indicate unlocking has occurred. For more information see
“Remote
Unlock Feedback” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑26.
Pressing
Kmay also disarm the
theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle
Alarm System on page 2‑10.
V(Remote Trunk Release): For
vehicles with this feature, press to
release the trunk.
7(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release one
time to initiate vehicle locator. The
exterior lamps flash and the horn
chirps three times. Press and hold
7for at least three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn
sounds and the turn signals flash for
30 seconds until
7is pressed
again, or the key is placed in the
ignition and turned to ON/RUN.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press and
release
Qand then press and hold
/within five seconds to start the

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
engine from outside the vehicle
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Vehicle Start on page 2‑4.
The buttons on the RKE transmitter
are disabled when there is a key in
the ignition.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter is
programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. See your dealer to
have new transmitters programmed.
Battery Replacement
The battery is not rechargeable. To
replace the battery:
1. Push the button on thetransmitter to extend the key.
2. Remove the battery cover by prying with a finger.
3. Remove the old battery.
4. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
5. Snap the battery cover back on to the transmitter.
Remote Vehicle Start
The vehicle may have this feature
that allows you to start the engine
from outside the vehicle.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): This
button will be on the RKE
transmitter if the vehicle has remote
start. The climate control system will use
the previous settings during a
remote start. The rear defog may
come on during remote start based
on cold ambient conditions. The
rear fog indicator light does not
come on during remote start.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they
may come on during a remote start.
See
Heated Front Seats on
page 3‑6.
Laws in some local communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
require a person using remote start
to have the vehicle in view. Check
local regulations for any
requirements.
Other conditions can affect the
performance of the transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System on page 2‑2.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5
Starting the Vehicle
To start the engine using the remote
start feature:
1. Aim the RKE transmitter at thevehicle.
2. Press and release
Q.
3. Immediately after completing Step 2, press and hold
/for at
least two seconds or until the
turn signal lamps flash. The turn
signal lamps flashing confirms
the request to remote start the
vehicle has been received.
When the engine starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on as
long as the engine is running. The
doors will be locked and the climate
control system may come on.
The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.
Insert the key and turn it to ON/RUN
before driving. Extending Engine Run Time
For a 10-minute extension, repeat
Steps 1–3 while the engine is still
running. The remote start can be
extended once.
When the remote start is extended,
the second 10 minutes will start
immediately.
For example, if the engine has been
running for five minutes, and
10 minutes are added, the engine
will run for a total of 15 minutes.
A maximum of two remote starts,
or a single start with an extension,
are allowed between ignition cycles.
After this, the vehicle's ignition
switch must be turned to ON/RUN
and then back to LOCK/OFF using
the key, before the remote start
procedure can be used again.
Canceling a Remote Start
To cancel a remote start, do one of
the following:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold
/
until the parking lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Turn the vehicle on and then off.
Conditions in Which Remote Start
Will Not Work
The remote vehicle start feature will
not operate if:
.The key is in the ignition.
.The hood is not closed.
.The hazard warning flashers
are on.
.The malfunction indicator lamp
is on.
.The engine coolant temperature
is too high.
.The oil pressure is low.