Owner manual indicator CHEVROLET SONIC 2017 2.G Service Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
168 Climate Controls
To a l l o w o u t s i d e a i r t o e n t e r i n t h e s econditions, press the recirculationbutton twice. The recirculationindicator will not be lit.
MorL:If equipped, press to heatthe driver or passenger seat. SeeHeated Front Seats056.
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
1:Press to turn the rear windowand outside mirror defogger on oroff. An indicator light comes on toshow that the feature is on.
The rear window defogger can be
turned off by pressing1again or
by turning the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
If equipped with heated outsiderearview mirrors, they turn on withthe rear window defogger and helpto clear fog or frost from the surfaceof the mirror. SeeHeatedMirrors047.
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 thecenter and on the side of theinstrument panel to direct theairflow. Move the slats on the centerair vents to direct airflow.
Turn the knobs on the side air ventscounterclockwise or clockwise toopen or close off the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow,or leaves from the air inlets atthe base of the windshield thatmay block the flow of air into thevehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hooddeflectors may adversely affectthe performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the frontseats clear of objects to helpcirculate the air inside thevehicle more effectively.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 183
Caution
Using a tool to force the key to
turn in the ignition could cause
damage to the switch or break the
key. Use the correct key, make
sure it is all the way in, and turn it
only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see
your dealer.
1(ACC/ACCESSORY):This is theposition in which things like theradio and the windshield wipers canbe operated when the engine is off.
2(ON/RUN):This position can beused to operate the electricalaccessories and to display someinstrument cluster warning andindicator lights. This position canalso be used for service anddiagnostics, and to verify the properoperation of the malfunctionindicator lamp as may be requiredfor emission inspection purposes.The switch stays in this positionwhen the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN positionwith the engine off, the battery couldbe drained. You may not be able tostart the vehicle if the battery isallowed to drain for an extendedperiod of time.
3(START):This is the position thatstarts the engine. When the enginestarts, release the key. The ignitionswitch returns to ON/RUN fordriving.
Awarningtonewillsoundwhenthedriver door is opened, the ignition isin ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF, and the key is in the ignition.If the ignition becomes difficult toturn, seeKeys026.
Ignition Positions
(Keyless Access)
The vehicle may be equipped withan electronic keyless ignition withpushbutton start.
Pressing the button cycles it throughthree modes: ACC/ACCESSORY,ON/RUN/START, and Stopping theEngine/OFF.
The transmitter must be in thevehicle for the system to operate.If the pushbutton start is notworking, the vehicle may be near astrong radio antenna signal causinginterference to the Keyless Access

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
184 Driving and Operating
system. SeeRemote Keyless Entry(RKE) System Operation (KeylessAccess)031orRemote KeylessEntry (RKE) System Operation (KeyAccess)029.
To s h i f t o u t o f P ( P a r k ) , t h e v e h i c l emust be in ACC/ACCESSORY orON/RUN and the brake pedal mustbe applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (NoIndicator Lights) :When thevehicle is stopped, press ENGINESTART/STOP once to turn theengine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), theignition will turn off, and RetainedAccessory Power (RAP) will remainactive. SeeRetained AccessoryPower (RAP)0187.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), theignition will return to ACC/ACCESSORY and the DriverInformation Center (DIC) will displaythe message SHIFT TO PARK. SeeVehicle Messages0126.Whenthevehicle is shifted into P (Park), theignition system will switch to OFF.
Do not turn the engine off when thevehicle is moving. This will cause aloss of power assist in the brakeand steering systems and disablethe airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in anemergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steadypressure. Do not pump thebrakes repeatedly. This maydeplete power assist, requiringincreased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).This can be done while thevehicle is moving. After shiftingto N (Neutral), firmly apply thebrakes and steer the vehicle toasafelocation.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shiftto P (Park) with an automatictransmission, or Neutral with amanual transmission. Turn theignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake0196.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,and must be shut off while driving,press and hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than two seconds,or press twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (AmberIndicator Light) :This mode allowsyou to use some electricalaccessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing thebutton one time without the brakepedal applied will place the ignitionsystem in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/ACCESSORY to OFF afterfive minutes to prevent batteryrundown.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 185
ON/RUN/START (Green IndicatorLight) :This mode is for driving andstarting. With the ignition off and thebrake pedal applied, pressingENGINE START/STOP once willplace the ignition system in ON/RUN/START. Once engine crankingbegins, release the button. Enginecranking will continue until theengine starts. SeeStarting theEngine0185.Theignitionwillthenremain in ON/RUN.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available forservice and diagnostics, and toverify the proper operation of themalfunction indicator lamp as maybe required for emission inspectionpurposes. With the vehicle off, andthe brake pedal not applied,pressing and holding ENGINESTART/STOP for more thanfive seconds will place the vehicle inService Only Mode. The instrumentsand audio systems will operate asthey do in ON/RUN, but the vehiclewill not be able to be driven. Theengine will not start in Service OnlyMode. Press ENGINE START/STOPagain to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) orN(Neutral). To restart the enginewhen the vehicle is already moving,use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical
Equipment0211.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutraland the parking brake engaged.Hold the clutch pedal to the floorand start the engine.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off theaccelerator pedal, turn theignition to START. When theengine cranks, let go of thekey. The idle speed will godown as the engine gets warm.
Caution
Holding the key in START for
longer than 15 seconds at a time
will cause the battery to be
drained much sooner. And the
excessive heat can damage the
starter motor. Wait about
15 seconds between each try to
help avoid draining the battery or
damaging the starter.

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.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
200 Driving and Operating
RES/+ :If there is a set speed inmemory, move the thumbwheel upbriefly to resume to that speed orhold upward to accelerate. If cruisecontrol is already active, use toincrease vehicle speed.
SET/✓:Move the thumbwheel downbriefly to set the speed and activatecruise control. If cruise control isalready active, use to decreasespeed.
*:Press to disengage cruisecontrol without erasing the setspeed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If5is on when not in use, SET/- or
RES/+ could get bumped and gointo cruise when not desired. Keep5off when cruise control is notbeing used.
To s e t c r u i s e c o n t r o l :
1. Press5to turn the cruise
system on.
2. Get to the speed desired.
3. Move the thumbwheel down toSET/- and release it.
4. Take your foot off theaccelerator pedal.
The cruise control indicator on theinstrument cluster turns green aftercruise control has been set to thedesired speed. SeeInstrumentCluster0107.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at adesired speed and then the brakesor clutch for manual transmissions
are applied or*is pressed, the
cruise control is disengaged withouterasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about40 km/h (25 mph) or more, move thethumbwheel up toward RES/+briefly. The vehicle returns to theprevious set speed.
Increasing Speed While UsingCruise Control
If the cruise control system isalready activated:
.Move the thumbwheel up towardRES/+ and hold it until thedesired speed is reached, thenrelease it.
.To i n c r e a s e t h e v e h i c l e s p e e d i nsmall increments, move thethumbwheel up toward RES/+briefly and then release it. Foreach press, the vehicle goesabout 1.6 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can bedisplayed in either English or metricunits. SeeDriver Information Center(DIC)0121.Theincrementvalueused depends on the unitsdisplayed.
Reducing Speed While UsingCruise Control
If the cruise control system isalready activated:
.Move the thumbwheel towardSET/✓and hold until the desiredlower speed is reached, thenrelease it.
.To d e c r e a s e t h e v e h i c l e s p e e d i nsmaller increments, move thethumbwheel toward SET/✓briefly. For each press, thevehicle goes about 1.6 km/h(1 mph) slower.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels,
or other objects. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving0172.
FCA can be disabled with the FCAsteering wheel control.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unlessthe FCA system detects a vehicleahead. When a vehicle is detected,the vehicle ahead indicator willdisplay green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exitramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;or if a vehicle ahead is partiallyblocked by pedestrians or otherobjects. FCA will not detect anothervehicle ahead until it is completelyin the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approachesanother detected vehicle too rapidly,the red FCA display on top of theinstrument panel to the right of thesteering wheel will flash. Also,several rapid high-pitched beeps willsound from the front. When thisCollision Alert occurs, the brakesystem may prepare for driverbraking to occur more rapidly whichcan cause a brief, mild deceleration.Continue to apply the brake pedalas needed. Cruise control may bedisengaged when the Collision Alertoccurs.
Tailgating Alert
The red FCA display will staycontinuously illuminated when youare following a detected vehicleahead much too closely.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Driving and Operating 207
Warning (Continued)
departing the lane on the side
where it has detected a lane
marking. Always keep your
attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Always keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LDW in
bad weather conditions.
How the System Works
The LDW camera sensor is on thewindshield ahead of the rearviewmirror.
To t u r n L D W o n a n d o f f , p r e s s@on
the center console. The controlindicator will light when LDW is on.
When LDW is on,@is green if
LDW is available to warn of a lanedeparture. If the vehicle crosses adetected lane marking without using
the turn signal in that direction,@
changes to amber and flashes.Additionally, there will be threebeeps on the right or left, dependingon the lane departure direction.
When the System Does Not
Seem To Work Properly
The system may not detect lanes aswell when there are:
.Close vehicles ahead.
.Sudden lighting changes, suchas when driving through tunnels.
.Banked roads.
If the LDW system is not functioningproperly when lane markings areclearly visible, cleaning thewindshield may help.
LDW alerts may occur due to tarmarks, shadows, cracks in the road,temporary or construction lanemarkings, or other roadimperfections. This is normal systemoperation; the vehicle does not needservice. Turn LDW off if theseconditions continue.
Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOPTIER Detergent Gasoline®to keepthe engine cleaner and reduceengine deposits. Seewww.toptiergas.com for a list of TOPTIER Detergent Gasoline marketersand applicable countries.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 orFlexFuel. Do not use gasoline withethanol levels greater than 15% byvolume.
Use regular unleaded gasolinemeeting ASTM specification D4814with a posted octane rating of 87 orhigher. Do not use gasoline with a

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
208 Driving and Operating
posted octane rating of less than 87,as this may cause engine knock andwill lower fuel economy.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so
may damage the vehicle and void
its warranty:
.For vehicles which are notFlexFuel, fuel labeledgreater than 15% ethanol byvolume, such as mid-levelethanol blends (16–50%ethanol), E85, or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount ofmethanol, methylal, andaniline. These fuels cancorrode metal fuel systemparts or damage plastic andrubber parts.
.Fuel containing metals suchas methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
(MMT), which can damagethe emissions controlsystem and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octanerating of less than therecommended fuel. Usingthis fuel will lower fueleconomy and performance,and may decrease the life ofthe emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meetCalifornia Emissions Standards, it isdesigned to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. Seethe underhood emission controllabel. If this fuel is not available instates adopting California EmissionsStandards, the vehicle will operatesatisfactorily on fuels meetingfederal specifications, but emissioncontrol system performance may beaffected. The malfunction indicatorlamp could turn on and the vehicle
may not pass a smog-check test.SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp(Check Engine Light)011 2.Ifthisoccurs, return to your authorizeddealer for diagnosis. If it isdetermined that the condition iscaused by the type of fuel used,repairs may not be covered by thevehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico postfuel octane ratings in anti-knockindex (AKI). For fuel not to use in aforeign country, see“ProhibitedFuels”inFuel0207.
Fuel Additives
To k e e p f u e l s y s t e m s c l e a n , T O PTIER Detergent Gasoline isrecommended. SeeFuel0207.
If TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline isnot available, one bottle of GM FuelSystem Treatment Cleaner added tothe fuel tank at every engine oilchange, can help. GM Fuel SystemTreatment Cleaner is the only