CHEVROLET SONIC 2017 2.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
190 Driving and Operating
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areaswith poor ventilation(parking garages, tunnels,deep snow that may blockunderbody airflow or tailpipes).
.The exhaust smells orsounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaksdue to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust systemhas been modified,damaged, or improperlyrepaired.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openingsin the vehicle body fromdamage or aftermarketmodifications that are notcompletely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with thewindows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repairedimmediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with theengine running.
If the vehicle is left with the enginerunning, follow the proper steps tobe sure the vehicle will not move.SeeShifting Into Park (AutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n )0187andEngineExhaust0190.Ifthevehiclehasamanual transmission, seeParking0189.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 191
Automatic
Transmission
P:This position locks the frontwheels. It is the best position to usewhen you start the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Tr a n s m i s s i o n )0187.
Make sure the shift lever is fully inP(Park) before starting the engine.The vehicle has a shift lock control.Yo u m u s t f u l l y a p p l y t h e b r a k e p e d a lthen press the shift lever buttonbefore you can shift from P (Park)while the ignition key is in ON/RUN.If you cannot shift out of P (Park),ease pressure on the shift lever andpush the shift lever all the way intoP(Park) as you maintain brakeapplication. Then move the shiftlever into another gear. SeeShiftingout of Park (AutomaticTr a n s m i s s i o n )0188.
R:Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R(Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To r o c k t h e v e h i c l e b a c k a n d f o r t h t oget out of snow, ice, or sand withoutdamaging the transmission, seeIfthe Vehicle Is Stuck0178.
N:In this position, the engine doesnot connect with the wheels. Torestart the engine when the vehicleis already moving, use N (Neutral)only. Also, use N (Neutral) when thevehicle is being towed.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
192 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
Yo u c o u l d l o s e c o n t r o l a n d h i t
people or objects. Do not shift
into a drive gear while the engine
is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N(Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D:This position is for normaldriving. It provides the best fueleconomy. If you need more powerfor passing, and you are:
.Going less than 56 km/h(35 mph), push the acceleratorpedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) ormore, push the accelerator allthe way down.
M:This position allows you tochange gears similar to a manualtransmission. If equipped, see“Manual Mode”following.
Operating Modes
The transmission may operate in alower gear than normal to improvevehicle performance. The enginespeed may be higher and there maybe an increase in noise during thefollowing conditions:
.When climbing a grade.
.When driving downhill.
.When driving in hottemperatures or at high altitude.
Manual Mode
To u s e t h i s f e a t u r e , i f e q u i p p e d :
1. Move the shift lever fromD(Drive) rearward toM(Manual Mode).
While driving in manual mode,the transmission will remain inthe driver selected gear. Whencoming to a stop in the manualposition, the vehicle willautomatically shift into1(First) gear.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 193
2. Press the + (plus) end of thebutton on the side of the shiftlever to upshift, or press the✓(minus) end of the button todownshift.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)in the instrument cluster will changefrom the currently displayedmessage to the letter M, for Manualposition, and a number indicatingthe requested gear.
While using manual mode, thetransmission will have firmer shiftingand sportier performance. You canuse this for sport driving or whenclimbing hills to stay in gear longeror to downshift for more power orengine braking.
The transmission will only allow youto shift into gears appropriate for thevehicle speed and enginerevolutions per minute (rpm):
.The transmission will notautomatically shift to the nexthigher gear if the vehicle speedor engine rpm is too low.
.The transmission will not allowshifting to the next lower gear ifthe vehicle speed or engine rpmis too high.
Manual Transmission
The vehicle may be equipped with a5-speed or 6-speed manualtransmission.
Caution
Shifting the vehicle initially into
any gear other than 1 (First) or
R(Reverse) can damage the
clutch. Shift the manual
transmission in the proper
sequence, and time the gear
(Continued)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
194 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
shifting with the accelerator to
avoid revving the engine and
damaging the clutch.
1(First) :Press the clutch pedaland shift into 1 (First). Then, slowlylet up on the clutch pedal as youpress the accelerator pedal.
Yo u c a n s h i f t i n t o 1 ( F i r s t ) w h e ngoing less than 32 km/h (20 mph).If you have come to a complete stopand it is hard to shift into 1 (First),put the shift lever in Neutral and letup on the clutch. Press the clutchpedal back down. Then shift into1(First).
2(Second) :Press the clutch pedalas you let up on the acceleratorpedal and shift into 2 (Second).Then, slowly let up on the clutchpedal as you press the acceleratorpedal.
3(Third), 4(Fourth), 5(Fifth), and6(Sixth) :Shift into 3 (Third),4(Fourth), 5(Fifth), and 6(Sixth) (ifequipped) the same way as for
2(Second). Slowly let up on theclutch pedal as you press theaccelerator pedal.
To s t o p , l e t u p o n t h e a c c e l e r a t o rpedal and press the brake pedal.Just before the vehicle stops, pressthe clutch pedal and the brakepedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :Use this position whenyou start or idle the engine.
R(Reverse) :To b a c k u p , p r e s sdown the clutch pedal, lift up thereverse lockout ring on the shift
lever, and shift into R (Reverse). Letup on the clutch pedal slowly whilepressing the accelerator pedal.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R(Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Shift Speeds
{Warning
If you skip a gear when
downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at
atimewhendownshifting.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 195
Up-Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manualtransmission have an up-shift light.This light indicates when to shift tothe next higher gear for better fueleconomy.
For the best fuel economy,accelerate slowly and shift when thelight comes on, and if the weather,road, and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on andoff if the accelerator positionchanges quickly. Ignore the lightduring downshifts.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS), an advancedelectronic braking system that helpsprevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to driveaway, ABS checks itself.Amomentarymotororclickingnoisemay be heard while this test is goingon, and it may even be noticed thatthe brake pedal moves a little. Thisis normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, thiswarning light stays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS) WarningLight011 5.
If driving safely on a wet road and itbecomes necessary to slam on thebrakes and continue braking toavoid a sudden obstacle, acomputer senses the wheels areslowing down. If one of the wheelsis about to stop rolling, the computerwill separately work the brakes ateach wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressureto each wheel, as required, fasterthan any driver could. This can helpyou steer around the obstacle whilebraking hard.
As the brakes are applied, thecomputer keeps receiving updateson wheel speed and controlsbraking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not changethe time needed to get a foot up tothe brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get tooclose to the vehicle in front of you,there will not be enough time toapply the brakes if that vehiclesuddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead tostop, even with ABS.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
196 Driving and Operating
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just holdthe brake pedal down firmly and letABS work. You may hear the ABSpump or motor operating and feelthe brake pedal pulsate. This isnormal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brakeat the same time. In manyemergencies, steering can helpmore than even the very bestbraking.
Parking Brake
To s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l d t h ebrake pedal down and pull up on theparking brake lever. If the ignition ison, the brake system warning lightwill come on. SeeBrake SystemWarning Light011 4.
To r e l e a s e t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e , h o l dthe brake pedal down. Pull theparking brake lever up until you canpress the release button. Hold therelease button in as you move thebrake lever all the way down.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature isdesigned to assist the driver instopping or decreasing vehiclespeed in emergency drivingconditions. This feature uses thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module to supplement thepower brake system underconditions where the driver hasquickly and forcefully applied thebrake pedal in an attempt to quicklystop or slow down the vehicle. Thestability system hydraulic brakecontrol module increases brakepressure at each corner of thevehicle until the ABS activates.Minor brake pedal pulsation orpedal movement during this time isnormal and the driver shouldcontinue to apply the brake pedal asthe driving situation dictates. TheBrake Assist feature willautomatically disengage when thebrake pedal is released or brakepedal pressure is quicklydecreased.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 197
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist(HSA) feature, which may be usefulwhen the vehicle is stopped on agrade sufficient enough to activateHSA. This feature is designed toprevent the vehicle from rolling,either forward or rearward, duringvehicle drive off. After the drivercompletely stops and holds thevehicle in a complete standstill on agrade, HSA will be automaticallyactivated. During the transitionperiod between when the driverreleases the brake pedal and startsto accelerate to drive off on a grade,HSA holds the braking pressure foramaximumoftwosecondstoensure that there is no rolling. Thebrakes will automatically releasewhen the accelerator pedal isapplied within the two-secondwindow. It will not activate if thevehicle is in a drive gear and facingdownhill, or if the vehicle is facinguphill and in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction ControlSystem (TCS) and StabiliTrak®,anelectronic stability control system.These systems help limit wheel slipand assist the driver in maintainingcontrol, especially on slippery roadconditions.
TCS activates if it senses that anyof the drive wheels are spinning orbeginning to lose traction. When thishappens, TCS applies the brakes tothe spinning wheels and reducesengine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when thevehicle senses a difference betweenthe intended path and the directionthe vehicle is actually traveling.StabiliTrak selectively appliesbraking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist thedriver in keeping the vehicle on theintended path.
If cruise control is being used andtraction control or StabiliTrak beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control willdisengage. Cruise control may beturned back on when roadconditions allow.
Both systems come onautomatically when the vehicle isstarted and begins to move. Thesystems may be heard or felt whilethey are operating or whileperforming diagnostic checks. Thisis normal and does not mean thereis a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave bothsystems on for normal drivingconditions, but it may be necessaryto turn TCS off if the vehicle getsstuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck0178and“Turning the Systems Off andOn”later in this section.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
198 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systemsis in the instrument cluster. Thislight will:
.Flash when TCS is limitingwheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak isactivated.
.Turn on and stay on when eithersystem is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or toactivate, a message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC), anddcomes on and stays on toindicate that the system is inactiveand is not assisting the driver inmaintaining control. The vehicle issafe to drive, but driving should beadjusted accordingly.
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. Ifdcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may needmore time to diagnose the problem.If the condition persists, see yourdealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To t u r n o f f o n l y T C S , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
To t u r n T C S o n a g a i n , p r e s s a n d
releaseg.Thetractionofflighti
displayed in the instrument clusterwill turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin wheng
is pressed, the system will not turnoff until the wheels stop spinning.
To t u r n o f f b o t h T C S a n d S t a b i l i T r a k ,
press and holdguntil the traction
off lightiand StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on and stay on in theinstrument cluster.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 199
To t u r n T C S a n d S t a b i l i T r a k o n
again, press and releaseg.The
traction off lightiand StabiliTrak
OFF lightgin the instrument cluster
turn off.
Adding accessories can affect thevehicle performance. SeeAccessories andModifications0214.
Cruise Control
If the vehicle is equipped with cruisecontrol, a speed of about 40 km/h(25 mph) or more can be maintainedwithout keeping your foot on theaccelerator. Cruise control does notwork at speeds below 40 km/h(25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
asteadyspeed.Donotuse
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If the vehicle's Traction ControlSystem (TCS) or StabiliTrak systembegins to limit wheel spin whileusing cruise control, the cruisecontrol will automatically disengage.
SeeTr a c t i o n C o n t r o l / E l e c t r o n i cStability Control0197.Ifacollisionalert occurs when cruise control isactivated, cruise control isdisengaged. SeeForward CollisionAlert (FCA) System0204.Whenroad conditions allow you to safelyuse it again, the cruise control canbe turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruisecontrol disengages.
5:Press to turn the cruise controlsystem on and off. A white indicatorcomes on in the instrument clusterwhen cruise is turned on.