fuel CHEVROLET SONIC 2017 2.G User Guide

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
112 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
This light will come on briefly whenthe ignition is turned on, and theengine is not running, as a check toshow it is working.
It should go out when the engine isstarted. If it stays on, or comes onwhile driving, there may be aproblem with the electrical chargingsystem. Have it checked by yourdealer. Driving while this light is oncould drain the battery. If a shortdistance must be driven with thelight on, turn off all accessories,such as the radio and airconditioner, to help reduce the drainon the battery.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’semission control on-boarddiagnostic system. If this light is onwhile the engine is running, amalfunction has been detected andthe vehicle may require service. Thelight should come on to show that itis working when the ignition is inON/RUN with the engine notrunning. SeeIgnition Positions (KeyAccess)0182orIgnition Positions(Keyless Access)0183.
Malfunctions are often indicated bythe system before any problem isnoticeable. Being aware of the lightand seeking service promptly whenit comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’sabilitytopass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and
Modifications0214.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 113
If the light is flashing :Amalfunction has been detected thatcould damage the emission controlsystem and increase vehicleemissions. Diagnosis and servicemay be required.
To h e l p p r e v e n t d a m a g e , r e d u c evehicle speed and avoid hardaccelerations and uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find asafe place to park. Turn the vehicleoff and wait at least 10 secondsbefore restarting the engine. If thelight is still flashing, follow theprevious guidelines and see yourdealer for service as soon aspossible.
If the light is on steady :Amalfunction has been detected.Diagnosis and service may berequired.
Check the following:
.Alooseormissingfuelcapmaycause the light to come on. SeeFilling the Tank0209.Afewdriving trips with the capproperly installed may turn thelight off.
.Poor fuel quality can causeinefficient engine operation andpoor driveability, which may goaway once the engine is warmedup. If this occurs, change thefuel brand. It may require atleast one full tank of the properfuel to turn the light off. SeeFuel0207.
If the light remains on, see yourdealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test, thetest equipment will likely connect tothe vehicle's Data LinkConnector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrumentpanel to the left of the steeringwheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an EmissionsInspection/Maintenance test or toservice the vehicle may affectvehicle operation. SeeAdd-OnElectrical Equipment0211.Seeyour dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not passinspection if:
.The light is on when the engineis running.
.The light does not come onwhen the ignition is in ON/RUNwith the engine not running.
.Critical emission control systemshave not been completelydiagnosed. If this happens, thevehicle would not be ready forinspection and might requireseveral days of routine drivingbefore the system is ready forinspection. This can happen ifthe 12-volt battery has recentlybeen replaced or run down, or ifthe vehicle has been recentlyserviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle willnot pass or cannot be made readyfor the test.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 115
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when theengine is started.
If the light stays on, turn the ignitionto LOCK/OFF or if the light comeson, stop as soon as possible andturn the ignition off. Then start theengine again to reset the system.If the light still stays on, or comeson again while driving, the vehicleneeds service. See your dealer.If the regular brake system warninglight is not on, the brakes will stillwork, but the antilock brakes will notwork. If the regular brake systemwarning light is also on, the antilockbrakes will not work and there is aproblem with the regular brakes.SeeBrake System WarningLight011 4.
The ABS warning light will come onbriefly when the ignition is turned toON/RUN. This is normal. If the lightdoes not come on then, have it fixedso it will be ready to warn if there isaproblem.
Operate Pedal Light
This light comes on when the clutchor brake pedal needs to be appliedto start the vehicle.
Up-Shift Light
For manual transmission vehicles,there is an up-shift light that comeson in the lower DIC area. It showswhen to shift to the next higher gearfor best fuel economy.
SeeManual Transmission0193.
Power Steering Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly when theignition is turned to ON/RUN as acheck to show it is working.
If it does not come on have thevehicle serviced by your dealer.
If this light stays on, or comes onwhile driving, the system may not beworking. If this happens, see yourdealer for service.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 119
Caution (Continued)
level is within the operating range
and the oil pressure is still low,
have the vehicle serviced. Always
follow the maintenance schedule
for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly asthe engine is started. If it does notcome on, have the vehicle servicedby your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, itmeans that oil is not flowing throughthe engine properly. The vehiclecould be low on oil and might havesome other system problem. Seeyour dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light comes on for a fewseconds when the ignition is turnedon as a check to indicate it isworking. If it does not come on,have it fixed.
This light comes on when thevehicle is low on fuel.
The low fuel warning light comes onwhen there are approximately 6.0 L(1.7 gal) of fuel remaining inthe tank.
To t u r n t h e l i g h t o f f , a d d f u e l t o t h efuel tank. SeeFilling theTa n k0209.
Immobilizer Light
The immobilizer light should comeon briefly as the engine is started.If it does not come on, have thevehicle serviced by your dealer.If the system is working normally,the indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the enginedoes not start, there could be aproblem with the immobilizersystem. SeeImmobilizerOperation045.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 121
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door isopen or not securely latched. Beforedriving, check that all doors areproperly closed.
Trunk Ajar Light
This light comes on when the trunkis ajar.
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The DIC displays information aboutthe vehicle. It also displays warningmessages if a system problem isdetected. SeeVehicle Messages0126.AllmessagesappearintheDIC display in the instrument panelcluster.
DIC Operation and Displays
On some models, the trip odometerreset stem is used to operate theDIC. On other models, the controlsfor the DIC are on the turn signallever.
DIC Buttons
1.SET/CLR:Press to set or clearthe menu item displayed.
2.w/x:Turn the band to
scroll through the menus.
3.MENU:Press to display theTrip/Fuel menu and the VehicleInformation menu. This buttonis also used to return to or exitthe last screen displayed onthe DIC.
Vehicle Information Menu
Items (Base Level DIC)
Press MENU to view the DIC menu.Some items display in the upperdisplay area, some in the lowerdisplay area, and others use boththe upper and lower display areas.
Usew/xto scroll through the
menu items. Not all items areavailable on every vehicle. Thefollowing is a list of possible menuitems:
.Remaining Oil Life
.Units
.Tire Learn

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
122 Instruments and Controls
Remaining Oil Life
This menu is not available while thevehicle is moving. This displayshows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If 99:%is
displayed, that means 99% of thecurrent oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low,
the:%CHANGEmessagewill
appear on the display. The oilshould changed as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Oil0220.Inaddition to the engine oil life systemmonitoring the oil life, additionalmaintenance is recommended in theMaintenance Schedule. SeeMaintenance Schedule0290.
Remember, the Oil Life display mustbe reset after each oil change. It willnot reset itself. Also, be careful notto reset the Oil Life displayaccidentally at any time other thanwhen the oil has just been changed.It cannot be reset accurately untilthe next oil change. To reset theengine oil life system, press SET/CLR while the Oil Life display isactive. SeeEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
Units
This menu is not available while thevehicle is moving. Press SET/CLRwhile the unit display is active and
movew/xto change units when
UNIT SET is displayed. Press SET/CLR to confirm the setting. Select 1,2, or 3 for the unit display. 1 ismetric units, 2 is Imperial units, and3isUSunits.Thiswillchangethedisplays on the cluster and DIC tothe type of measurements selected.
Tire Learn
This display allows for matching ofthe TPMS sensors. The display willshow a vehicle with the approximatepressures of all four tires. Tirepressure is displayed in eitherkilopascal (kPa) or pounds persquare inch (psi). SeeTire PressureMonitor System0257andTirePressure Monitor Operation0258.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items (Base
Level DIC)
Press MENU until the Trip/Fuel
menu is displayed. Usew/xto
scroll through the menu items. On
some models, use the trip odometerreset stem to scroll through themenu. Not all items are available onevery vehicle. The following is a listof possible menu items:
.Trip Odometer
.Fuel Range
.Average Vehicle Speed
.Instantaneous Fuel Economy
.Average Fuel Economy
.Timer
Trip Odometer
This display shows the currentdistance traveled, in eitherkilometers (km) or miles (mi), sincethe last reset for the trip odometer.The trip odometer can be reset tozero by pressing SET/CLR orpressing and holding the tripodometer reset stem while the tripodometer display is showing.
Fuel Range
This display shows the approximatedistance the vehicle can be drivenwithout refueling. The fuel rangeestimate is based on an average of

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Instruments and Controls 123
the vehicle's fuel economy overrecent driving history and theamount of fuel remaining in the fueltank. Fuel range cannot be reset.
Average Vehicle Speed
This display shows the averagespeed of the vehicle in kilometersper hour (km/h) or miles perhour (mph). This average iscalculated based on the variousvehicle speeds recorded since thelast reset of this value. The averagespeed can be reset by pressingSET/CLR or pressing and holdingthe trip odometer reset stem whilethe Average Vehicle Speed displayis showing.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy
The instantaneous fuel economydisplay shows the current fueleconomy in liters per 100 kilometers(L/100 km) or miles pergallon (mpg). This number reflectsonly the approximate fuel economythat the vehicle has right now andchanges frequently as drivingconditions change. This displaycannot be reset.
Average Fuel Economy
This display shows the approximateaverage liters per 100 kilometers(L/100 km) or miles pergallon (mpg). This number iscalculated based on the number ofL/100 km (mpg) recorded since thelast time this menu item was reset.This number reflects only theapproximate average fuel economythat the vehicle has right now, andwill change as driving conditionschange. The fuel economy can bereset by pressing SET/CLR orpressing and holding the tripodometer reset stem while theAverage Fuel Economy display isshowing.
Timer
Available on some vehicles, thisdisplay can be used as a timer. Tostart the timer, press SET/CLR whileTimer is displayed. The display willshow the amount of time that haspassed since the timer was lastreset, not including time the ignitionis off. Time will continue to becounted as long as the ignition ison, even if another display is being
shown on the DIC. The timer willrecord up to 9 hours, 59 minutes,and 59 seconds (9:59:59) afterwhich the display will return to zero.To s t o p t h e t i m e r, p r e s s S E T / C L Rbriefly while Timer is displayed. Toreset the timer to zero, press andhold SET/CLR.
Trip/Fuel Menu Items
(Uplevel DIC)
Press MENU until the Trip/Fuel
menu is displayed. Usew/xto
scroll through the menu items. Notall items are available on everyvehicle. The following is a list ofpossible menu items:
.Digital Speedometer
.Trip 1
.Trip 2
.Fuel Range
.Instantaneous Fuel Economy
.Average Fuel Economy
.Average Vehicle Speed
.Timer
.Navigation

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
124 Instruments and Controls
Digital Speedometer
The digital speedometer, availableon some vehicles, shows how fastthe vehicle is moving in eitherkilometers per hour (km/h) or milesper hour (mph). The speedometercannot be reset.
Trip 1 and Trip 2
This display shows the currentdistance traveled, in eitherkilometers (km) or miles (mi), sincethe last reset for the trip odometer.The trip odometer can be reset tozero by pressing SET/CLR while thetrip odometer display is showing.
Fuel Range
This display shows the approximatedistance the vehicle can be drivenwithout refueling. The fuel rangeestimate is based on an average ofthe vehicle's fuel economy overrecent driving history and theamount of fuel remaining in the fueltank. Fuel range cannot be reset.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy
The instantaneous fuel economydisplay shows the current fueleconomy in liters per 100 kilometers(L/100 km) or miles pergallon (mpg). This number reflectsonly the approximate fuel economythat the vehicle has right now andchanges frequently as drivingconditions change. Unlike averageeconomy, this display cannot bereset.
Average Fuel Economy
This display shows the approximateaverage liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per gallon (mpg).This number is calculated based onthe number of L/100 km (mpg)recorded since the last time thismenu item was reset. This numberreflects only the approximateaverage fuel economy that thevehicle has right now, and willchange as driving conditionschange. The fuel economy can bereset by pressing SET/CLR whilethe Average Fuel Economy displayis showing.
Average Vehicle Speed
This display shows the averagespeed of the vehicle in kilometersper hour (km/h) or miles perhour (mph). This average iscalculated based on the variousvehicle speeds recorded since thelast reset of this value. The averagespeed can be reset by pressingSET/CLR while the Average VehicleSpeed display is showing.
Timer
Available on some vehicles, thisdisplay can be used as a timer. Tostart the timer, press SET/CLR whileTimer is displayed. The display willshow the amount of time that haspassed since the timer was lastreset, not including time the ignitionis off. Time will continue to becounted as long as the ignition ison, even if another display is beingshown on the DIC. The timer willrecord up to 99 hours, 59 minutes,and 59 seconds (99:59:59) afterwhich the display will return to zero.To s t o p t h e t i m e r, p r e s s S E T / C L R

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 171
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 173Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 174Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 175Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 176Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 178Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 181Ignition Positions (KeyAccess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182Ignition Positions (KeylessAccess) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 185Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Shifting Into Park (AutomaticTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187Shifting out of Park (AutomaticTransmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Parking over ThingsThat Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 191Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 197
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . 201Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204Lane DepartureWarning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 208Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . 211
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 177
clear roads in shaded areas.The surface of a curve or anoverpass can remain icy whenthe surrounding roads are clear.Avoid sudden steeringmaneuvers and braking whileon ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place andsignal for help. Stay with the vehicleunless there is help nearby.If possible, use RoadsideAssistance. SeeRoadsideAssistance Program0311.Togethelp and keep everyone in thevehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warningflashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outsidemirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
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 ofthe vehicle, especially anyblocking the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm(2 in) on the vehicle sidethat is away from the wind,to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets onor under the instrumentpanel.
.Adjust the climate controlsystem to circulate the airinside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highestsetting. See“ClimateControl Systems.”
For more information about CO,
seeEngine Exhaust0190.
To s a v e f u e l , r u n t h e e n g i n e f o rshort periods to warm the vehicleand then shut the engine off andpartially close the window. Movingabout to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,when running the engine, push theaccelerator pedal slightly so theengine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the batterycharged to restart the vehicle and tosignal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible, tosave fuel.