service CHEVROLET SONIC 2017 2.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 26
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . 100
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 141
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 171
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 289
Te c h n i c a l D a t a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0 3
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 307
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 317
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
2 Introduction
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems,slogans, vehicle model names, andvehicle body designs appearing inthis manual including, but not limitedto, GM, the GM logo, CHEVROLET,the CHEVROLET Emblem, andSONIC are trademarks and/orservice marks of General MotorsLLC, its subsidiaries, affiliates,or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,substitute the name“GeneralMotors of Canada Company”forChevrolet Motor Division wherever itappears in this manual.
This manual describes features thatmay or may not be on the vehiclebecause of optional equipment thatwas not purchased on the vehicle,model variants, countryspecifications, features/applicationsthat may not be available in yourregion, or changes subsequent tothe printing of this owner manual.
Refer to the purchasedocumentation relating to yourspecific vehicle to confirm thefeatures.
Keep this manual in the vehicle forquick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
AFrenchlanguagemanualcanbeobtained from your dealer, atwww.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire dece guide en français auprès duconcessionnaire ou à l'adressesuivante:
Helm, IncorporatedAttention: Customer Service47911 Halyard DrivePlymouth, MI 48170USA
Using this Manual
To q u i c k l y l o c a t e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u tthe vehicle, use the Index in theback of the manual. It is analphabetical list of what is in themanual and the page number whereit can be found.
Litho in U.S.A.Part No. 23229855 A First Printing©2016 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Introduction 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehiclelabels and in this manual describehazards and what to do to avoid orreduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
Acirclewithaslashthroughitisasafety symbol which means“DoNot,”“Do not do this,”or“Do not letthis happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components andlabels that use symbols instead oftext. Symbols are shown along withthe text describing the operation orinformation relating to a specificcomponent, control, message,gauge, or indicator.
M:Shown when the ownermanual has additional instructionsor information.
*:Shown when the servicemanual has additional instructionsor information.
0:Shown when there is moreinformation on another page—“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbolsthat may be found on the vehicleand what they mean. For moreinformation on the symbol, refer tothe Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
%:Audio Steering Wheel Controlsor OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
In Brief 19
features are also available throughthe instrument cluster and steeringwheel controls.
Before driving:
.Become familiar with theoperation, faceplate buttons, andscreen buttons.
.Set up the audio by presettingfavorite stations, setting thetone, and adjusting thespeakers.
.Set up phone numbers inadvance so they can be calledeasily by pressing a singlebutton or by using a single voicecommand if equipped withBluetooth phone capability.
SeeDefensive Driving0172.
To p l a y t h e i n f o t a i n m e n t s y s t e m w i t hthe ignition off, seeRetainedAccessory Power (RAP)0187.
Radio(s)
O:
.Press to turn the power on.
.Press and hold to turn thepower off.
.Press to mute/unmute thesystem when on.
.Turn to decrease or increase thevolume.
g:
.Radio: Press and release to fastseek the strongest previousstation or channel.
.USB/Music/Pictures: Press to goto the previous content. Pressand hold to fast rewind.
d:
.Radio: Press and release to fastseek the next strongest stationor channel.
.USB/Music/Pictures: Press to goto the next content. Press andhold to fast forward.
5:
.Press and release to access thephone screen, answer anincoming call, or access thedevice home screen.
SeeOverview0143.
Satellite Radio
If equipped, vehicles with aSiriusXM®satellite radio tuner and avalid SiriusXM satellite radiosubscription can receive SiriusXMprogramming.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service
SiriusXM is a satellite radio servicebased in the 48 contiguous UnitedStates and 10 Canadian provinces.SiriusXM satellite radio has a widevariety of programming andcommercial-free music, coast tocoast, and in digital-quality sound.AfeeisrequiredtoreceivetheSiriusXM service.
Refer to:
.www.siriusxm.com or call1-888-601-6296 (U.S.).
.www.siriusxm.ca or call1-877-438-9677 (Canada).
SeeSatellite Radio0146.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
28 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Key Access with Remote Start
Shown
The key that is part of the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) transmitter canbe used for the ignition and alllocks.
Press the button on the RKEtransmitter to extend the key. Pressthe button and the key blade toretract the key.
Keyless Access with Remote Start
Shown
The key that is part of the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) transmitter canbe used for all locks.
See your dealer if a new key isneeded.
If the vehicle has an ignition, and itbecomes difficult to turn the key,inspect the key blade for debris.
If you are locked out of the vehicle,seeRoadside AssistanceProgram0311.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0317.
If there is a decrease in the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) operatingrange:
.Check the distance. Thetransmitter may be too far fromthe vehicle.
.Check the location. Othervehicles or objects may beblocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.See“Battery Replacement”laterin this section.
.If the transmitter is still notworking correctly, see yourdealer or a qualified technicianfor service.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Keys, Doors, and Windows 45
To a v o i d s e t t i n g o f f t h e a l a r m b yaccident:
.Lock the vehicle after alloccupants have left the vehicleand all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with theRKE transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with thekey will not disarm the system orturn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lightsflash three times, an alarm occurredpreviously while the alarm systemwas armed.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio FrequencyStatement0317.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passivetheft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to bemanually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automaticallyimmobilized when the key isremoved from the ignition.
The system is automaticallydisarmed when the vehicle isstarted with the correct key. The keyuses a transponder that matches animmobilizer control unit in thevehicle and automatically disarmsthe system. Only an authorized keystarts the vehicle. The vehicle maynot start if the key is damaged.
The security light in the instrumentcluster comes on if there is aproblem with arming or disarmingthe theft-deterrent system.
When trying to start the vehicle, thesecurity light comes on briefly whenthe ignition is turned on.
If the engine does not start and thesecurity light stays on, there is aproblem with the system. Turn theignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, andthe key appears to be undamagedor the light continues to stay on, tryanother ignition key. If the enginedoes not start with the other key, thevehicle needs service. If the vehicledoes start, the first key may bedamaged. See your dealer who canservice the theft-deterrent systemand have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device thatdisarms or deactivates thetheft-deterrent system in the vehicle.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Seats and Restraints 71
The feature may also activate,without airbag inflation, after anevent that exceeds a predeterminedthreshold. You can lock the doors,turn off the interior lamps, and turnoff the hazard warning flashers byusing the controls for thosefeatures.
{Warning
Acrashsevereenoughtoinflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough toinflate the airbag, windshields arebroken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage mayalso occur from the front outboardpassenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflateonly once. After an airbaginflates, you will need some newparts for the airbag system.If you do not get them, theairbag system will not be thereto help protect you in anothercrash. A new system will includeairbag modules and possiblyother parts. The service manualfor the vehicle covers the needto replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensingand diagnostic module whichrecords information after acrash. SeeVehicle DataRecording and Privacy0318andEvent DataRecorders0319.
.Let only qualified technicianswork on the airbag systems.Improper service can mean thatan airbag system will not workproperly. See your dealer forservice.
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passengersensing system for the frontoutboard passenger position. Thepassenger airbag status indicatorwill light on the instrument panelwhen the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada
The words ON and OFF, or thesymbols for on and off, will bevisible during the system check.When the system check iscomplete, either the word ON or

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Seats and Restraints 73
.The system determines that asmall child is present in abooster seat.
.Afrontoutboardpassengertakes his/her weight off of theseat for a period of time.
.The front outboard passengerseat is occupied by a smallerperson, such as a child who hasoutgrown child restraints.
.There is a critical problem withthe airbag system or thepassenger sensing system.
When the passenger sensingsystem has turned off the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag, the off indicatorwill light and stay lit as a reminderthat the airbags are off. SeePassenger Airbag StatusIndicator0111.
The passenger sensing system isdesigned to turn on the frontoutboard passenger frontal airbagand knee airbag anytime the systemsenses that a person of adult size issitting properly in the front outboardpassenger seat. When the
passenger sensing system hasallowed the airbags to be enabled,the on indicator will light and stay litas a reminder that the airbags areactive.
For some children who haveoutgrown child restraints, and forvery small adults, the passengersensing system may or may not turnoff the front outboard passengerfrontal airbag and knee airbag,depending upon the person'sseating posture and body build.Everyone in the vehicle who hasoutgrown child restraints shouldwear a safety belt properly—whether or not there is an airbag forthat person.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Light011 0for more information,
including important safety
information.
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a
Child Restraint
If a child restraint has been installedand the on indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint fromthe vehicle.
3. Remove any additional itemsfrom the seat such as blankets,cushions, seat covers, seatheaters, or seat massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraintfollowing the directionsprovided by the child restraintmanufacturer and refer toSecuring Child Restraints (Withthe Safety Belt in the FrontSeat)093orSecuring ChildRestraints (With the Safety Beltin the Rear Seat)091.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Seats and Restraints 75
Warning (Continued)
ride in the front outboard
passenger seat, if the passenger
airbag off indicator is lit.
Additional Factors Affecting
System Operation
Safety belts help keep thepassenger in position on the seatduring vehicle maneuvers andbraking, which helps the passengersensing system maintain thepassenger airbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”in the Index for additionalinformation about the importance ofproper restraint use.
Athicklayerofadditionalmaterial,such as a blanket or cushion,or aftermarket equipment such asseat covers, seat heaters, and seatmassagers can affect how well thepassenger sensing systemoperates. We recommend that younot use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment except whenapproved by GM for your specific
vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment tothe Airbag-Equipped Vehicle075for more information aboutmodifications that can affect howthe system operates.
The on indicator may be lit if anobject, such as a briefcase,handbag, grocery bag, laptop,or other electronic device, is put onan unoccupied seat. If this is notdesired, remove the object fromthe seat.
{Warning
Stowing of articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicleshould be serviced. There are partsof the airbag system in severalplaces around the vehicle. Your
dealer and the service manual haveinformation about servicing thevehicle and the airbag system. Topurchase a service manual, seeService Publications OrderingInformation0316.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change thevehicle's frame, bumper system,height, front end, or side sheetmetal may keep the airbag system

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
76 Seats and Restraints
from working properly. Theoperation of the airbag system canalso be affected by changing anyparts of the front seats, safety belts,the airbag sensing and diagnosticmodule, steering wheel, instrumentpanel, any of the airbag modules,ceiling or pillar garnish trim, frontsensors, side impact sensors,or airbag wiring.
Yo u r d e a l e r a n d t h e s e r v i c e m a n u a lhave information about the locationof the airbag sensors, sensing anddiagnostic module, and airbagwiring.
In addition, the vehicle has apassenger sensing system for thefront outboard passenger position,which includes sensors that are partof the passenger seat. Thepassenger sensing system may notoperate properly if the original seattrim is replaced with non-GMcovers, upholstery, or trim; or withGM covers, upholstery, or trimdesigned for a different vehicle. Anyobject, such as an aftermarket seatheater or a comfort-enhancing pador device, installed under or on topof the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of thepassenger sensing system. Thiscould either prevent properdeployment of the passengerairbag(s) or prevent the passengersensing system from properlyturning off the passenger airbag(s).SeePassenger SensingSystem071.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-railairbags, seeDifferent Size Tiresand Wheels0264for additionalimportant information.
If you have to modify your vehiclebecause you have a disability andhave questions about whether themodifications will affect the vehicle'sairbag system, or if you havequestions about whether the airbagsystem will be affected if the vehicleis modified for any other reason, callCustomer Assistance. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices0309.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not needregularly scheduled maintenance orreplacement. Make sure the airbagreadiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light011 0.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the
airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags?067.Seeyourdealer
for service.