instrument panel CHEVROLET SONIC 2016 2.G Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
120 Lighting
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . 120
Headlamp High/Low-BeamChanger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 122
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Battery Load Management . . . 125
Battery Power Protection . . . . . 126
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the outboard
side of the steering column.
There are four positions:
O(Off) : Briefly turn to this position
to turn the automatic light control off
or on again. AUTO (Automatic) :
Turns the
headlamps on automatically at
normal brightness, together with the
following:
. Parking Lamps
. Taillamps
. License Plate Lamps
. Instrument Panel Lights
. Sidemarker Lamps
;(Parking Lamps) : Turns on the
parking lamps including all lamps
except the headlamps.
5(Headlamps) : Turns the
headlamps on together with the
parking lamps and instrument panel
lights. A warning chime sounds if
the driver door is opened when the
ignition switch is off and the
headlamps are on.
#(Front Fog Lamps) : If equipped
with fog lamps, press to turn the
lamps on or off.
See Fog Lamps 0123.
When the lights are on,
;will be
lit. See Lamps On Reminder 0108.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Lighting 121
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
3(Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer) : Push the turn signal
lever away from you to turn the high
beams on.
Push the lever again or pull the
lever toward you to return to low
beams.
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the
high-beam headlamps are on.
Flash-to-Pass
To flash the high beams, pull the
turn signal lever all the way toward
you. Then release it.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to
see the front of your vehicle during
the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in
Canada.
This indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster when the DRL
are on.
A light sensor on top of the
instrument panel makes the DRL
work, so be sure it is not covered. The DRL system makes the
low-beam headlamps come on at a
reduced brightness when the
following conditions are met:
.
The ignition is in the ON/
RUN mode.
. The exterior lamp control is
in AUTO.
. The engine is running.
When the DRL are on, only the
low-beam headlamps, at a reduced
level of brightness, will be on. The
taillamps, sidemarker, instrument
panel, and other lamps will not
be on.
The headlamps automatically
change from DRL to the regular
headlamps depending on the
darkness of the surroundings. The
other lamps that come on with the
headlamps will also come on.
When it is bright enough outside,
the headlamps go off and the DRL
come on.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
122 Lighting
To turn the DRL lamps off or on
again, turn the exterior lamp control
to
Oand then release. For vehicles
first sold in Canada, the DRL lamps
cannot be turned off.
Automatic Headlamp
System
When it is dark enough outside and
the exterior lamp control is in the
automatic position, the headlamps
come on automatically. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0120.
The vehicle has a light sensor on
top of the instrument panel. Make
sure it is not covered, or the
headlamps will be on when they are
not needed. The system may also turn on the
headlamps when driving through a
parking garage or tunnel.
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are
activated in daylight with the engine
on, and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO, the headlamps, parking
lamps, and other exterior lamps
come on. The transition time for the
lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are
not operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control to
P
or;to disable this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|(Hazard Warning Flasher) :
Press and momentarily hold this
button to make the front and rear
turn signal lamps flash on and off.
This warns others that you are
having trouble. Press and
momentarily hold again to turn the
flashers off.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Lighting 123
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
Move the lever all the way up or
down to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster
will flash in the direction of the turn
or lane change.
Raise or lower the lever until the
arrow starts to flash to signal a lane
change. Hold it there until the lane
change is completed. If the lever is
briefly pressed and released, the
turn signal flashes three times.
The lever returns to its neutral
position when it is released.
If after signaling a turn or lane
change the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulbmay be burned out. Replace any
burned out bulbs. If a bulb is not
burned out, check the fuse. See
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
0248 or
Bulb Replacement 0243.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more
than 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime will
sound at each flash of the turn
signal. To turn the chime off, move
the turn signal lever to the neutral
position.
Fog Lamps
If equipped with front fog lamps, the
button is on the outboard side of the
instrument panel.
The ignition must be on to turn on
the fog lamps.
#(Fog Lamps) : Press to turn the
fog lamps on or off. An indicator
light on the instrument cluster
comes on when the fog lamps
are on.
The fog lamps come on together
with the parking lamps.
If the high-beam headlamps are
turned on, the fog lamps will turn off.
If the high-beam headlamps are
turned off, the fog lamps will turn
back on again.
Some localities have laws that
require the headlamps to be on
along with the fog lamps.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
124 Lighting
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
This feature controls the brightness
of the instrument panel controls and
infotainment display screen. The
thumbwheel is to the left of the
steering column on the instrument
panel.
D(Instrument Panel
Brightness) : Move the
thumbwheel up or down and hold, to
brighten or dim the instrument panel
controls and infotainment display
screen.
Courtesy Lamps
The courtesy lamps come on
automatically when any door is
opened and the dome lamp is in the
door position.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamp controls are in the
headliner above the rear seats.
9(Dome Lamp Override) : Press
to turn the lamps off, even when a
door is open.
H(Door) : When the button is
returned to the middle position, the
lamps turn on automatically when a
door is opened.
R(On) : Press to turn on the dome
lamps.
Reading Lamps
For vehicles with front reading
lamps, they are in the overhead
console.
#or$(Reading Lamps) : Press
to turn each lamp on or off.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Climate Controls 177
fan control to 0 turns the fan off. The
fan must be turned on to run the air
conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control :Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air delivery
modes:
Y(Vent) : Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level) : Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets.
[(Floor) : Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the rear outlets.
W(Defog) : This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the floor, windshield, and
side window outlets.
1(Defrost) : This mode clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear. In defrost or defog mode, excessive
air conditioning use can cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
change the air delivery mode to
Y
and reduce the fan speed.
#(Air Conditioning) :
If equipped
with air conditioning, follow these
steps to use the system. Turn
Ato
the desired speed. The air
conditioning does not operate when
the fan control knob is in the off
position. Press
#to turn the air
conditioning on and off. When
#is
pressed, an indicator light comes on
to show that the air conditioning
is on.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Press
M.
3. Press
#.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest
Aspeed. Using these settings together for
long periods of time may cause the
air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has
cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
M(Recirculation) :
This mode
recirculates and helps to quickly
cool the air inside the vehicle. It can
be used to reduce the entry of
outside air and odors.
Press the button to turn the
recirculation mode on. An indicator
light comes on to show that the
recirculation is on. Press the button
again to return to outside air mode.
Using the recirculation mode for
extended periods may cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
select the defrost mode.
Max
#is available when the air
conditioning is selected and the
temperature is set to the coolest
setting while the outside air
temperature is warm. When Max
#
is activated, the air inside the
vehicle is automatically recirculated,

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
178 Climate Controls
which helps to quickly cool the
vehicle. The recirculation indicator
will not be lit.
To allow outside air to enter in these
conditions, press the recirculation
button twice. The recirculation
indicator will not be lit.
MorL(Heated Seats, If
Equipped) : Press to heat the driver
or passenger seat. See Heated
Front Seats 047.
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
1(Rear Window Defogger) :
Press to turn the rear window and
outside mirror defogger on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the feature is on.
The rear window defogger can be
turned off by pressing
1again or
by turning the ignition to ACC/
ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF. If equipped with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on with
the rear window defogger and help
to clear fog or frost from the surface
of the mirror. See
Heated Mirrors
0 39.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object on the inside rear window
can damage the antenna or
defogger. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not stick anything to the rear
window.
Air Vents
Use the air vents located in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel to direct the
airflow. Move the slats on the center
air vents to direct airflow.
Turn the knobs on the side air vents
counterclockwise or clockwise to
open or close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from the air inlets at
the base of the windshield that
may block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors may adversely affect
the performance of the system.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
186 Driving and Operating
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stay with the vehicle unless there is
help nearby. If possible, use
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0322. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0197. To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 204.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Driving and Operating 211
Warning (Continued)
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
the red FCA display on top of the
instrument panel to the right of the
steering wheel will flash. Also,
several rapid high-pitched beeps will
sound from the front. When this
Collision Alert occurs, the brake
system may prepare for driver
braking to occur more rapidly which
can cause a brief, mild deceleration.
Continue to apply the brake pedal
as needed. Cruise control may be
disengaged when the Collision Alert
occurs. Tailgating Alert
The red FCA display will stay
continuously illuminated when you
are following a detected vehicle
ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press COLLISION
ALERT to set the alert timing to far,
medium, near or off. The first button
press shows the current control
setting on the DIC. Additional button
presses will change this setting. The
chosen setting will remain until it is
changed and will affect both the
Collision Alert and the TailgatingAlert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed,
the farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may sometimes set
unnecessary alerts to turning
vehicles, vehicles in other lanes,
objects that are not vehicles,
or shadows. These alerts are
normal operation and the vehicle
does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, cleaning the
outside of the windshield in front of
the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9085902) -
2016 - CRC - 5/27/15
Vehicle Care 219
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 220
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 228
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 230
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 230
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Battery - North America . . . . . . 240
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 242
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . 244
Fog Lamps (LS, LT, and LTZ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Fog Lamps (RS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 246
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 248
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 272