2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owners Manual

or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein at its sole discretion.

Collision Damage Repair If the vehicle is involved in a collision and it is damaged, have the damage repaired by a qualified technician using the proper equipment and quality replacement parts. Poorly performed collision repairs diminish the vehicle resale value, and safety performance can be compromised in subsequent collisions. Collision Parts Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts made with the same materials and construction methods as the parts with which the vehicle was originally built. Genuine GM Collision parts are the best choice to

Customer Information

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ensure that the vehicle's designed appearance, durability, and safety are preserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can help maintain the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Recycled original equipment parts may also be used for repair. These parts are typically removed from vehicles that were total losses in prior crashes. In most cases, the parts being recycled are from undamaged sections of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment GM part may be an acceptable choice to maintain the vehicle's originally designed appearance and safety performance; however, the history of these parts is not known. Such parts are not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any related failures are not covered by that warranty. Aftermarket collision parts are also available. These are made by companies other than GM and may not have been tested for the vehicle.

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Customer Information

As a result, these parts may fit poorly, exhibit premature durability/ corrosion problems, and may not perform properly in subsequent collisions. Aftermarket parts are not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any vehicle failure related to such parts is not covered by that warranty. Repair Facility GM also recommends that you choose a collision repair facility that meets your needs before you ever need collision repairs. Your dealer may have a collision repair center with GM-trained technicians and state‐of‐the‐art equipment, or be able to recommend a collision repair center that has GM-trained technicians and comparable equipment.

Insuring the Vehicle Protect your investment in the GM vehicle with comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. There are significant differences in the quality of coverage afforded by various insurance policy terms. Many insurance policies provide reduced protection to the GM vehicle by limiting compensation for damage repairs by using aftermarket collision parts. Some insurance companies will not specify aftermarket collision parts. When purchasing insurance, we recommend that you ensure that the vehicle will be repaired with GM original equipment collision parts. If such insurance coverage is not available from your current insurance carrier, consider switching to another insurance carrier.

If the vehicle is leased, the leasing company may require you to have insurance that ensures repairs with Genuine GM Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or Genuine Manufacturer replacement parts. Read the lease carefully, as you may be charged at the end of the lease for poor quality repairs. If a Crash Occurs If there has been an injury, call emergency services for help. Do not leave the scene of a crash until all matters have been taken care of. Move the vehicle only if its position puts you in danger, or you are instructed to move it by a police officer. Give only the necessary information to police and other parties involved in the crash. For emergency towing see Roadside Assistance Program on page 13‑5.

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Customer Information

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Gather the following information: . Driver name, address, and

telephone number.

. Driver license number. . Owner name, address, and

telephone number.

. Vehicle license plate number. . Vehicle make, model, and

model year.

. Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN). Insurance company and policy number.

. General description of the

damage to the other vehicle. Choose a reputable repair facility that uses quality replacement parts. See “Collision Parts” earlier in this section.

If the airbag has inflated, see What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? on page 3‑24. Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair Process In the event that the vehicle requires damage repairs, GM recommends that you take an active role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility of choice, take the vehicle there, or have it towed there. Specify to the facility that any required replacement collision parts be original equipment parts, either new Genuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts. Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by the GM vehicle warranty.

Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must live with the repair. Depending on your policy limits, your insurance company may initially value the repair using aftermarket parts. Discuss this with the repair professional, and insist on Genuine GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is leased, you may be obligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM parts, even if your insurance coverage does not pay the full cost. If another party's insurance company is paying for the repairs, you are not obligated to accept a repair valuation based on that insurance company's collision policy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits with that company. In such cases, you can have control of the repair and parts choices as long as the cost stays within reasonable limits.

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Customer Information

Service Publications Ordering Information

Service Manuals Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information on the engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc. Service Bulletins Service Bulletins give additional technical service information needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of the vehicle.

Owner Information Owner publications are written specifically for owners and intended to provide basic operational information about the vehicle. The Owner Manual includes the Maintenance Schedule for all models. In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and Warranty Booklet. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and shipping fees. Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only. RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and shipping fees.

Current and Past Models Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available for current and past model GM vehicles.

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123 Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Eastern Time For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc. at: www.helminc.com. Or write to: Helm, Incorporated Attention: Customer Service 47911 Halyard Drive Plymouth, MI 48170
Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery. All listed prices are quoted in U.S. funds. Make checks payable in U.S. funds.

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Customer Information

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Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government If you live in Canada, and you believe that the vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada immediately, and notify General Motors of Canada Limited. Call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0510 or write to: Transport Canada Road Safety Branch 80 rue Noel Gatineau, QC J8Z 0A1

However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or General Motors. To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-888-327-4236
(TTY: 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA 1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590
You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

Reporting Safety Defects

Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign.

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Customer Information

Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in a situation like this, notify General Motors. Call 1-800-222-1020, or write: Chevrolet Motor Division Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
In Canada, call 1-800-263-3777
(English) or 1-800-263-7854
(French), or write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Care Centre, Mail Code: CA1-163-005
1908 Colonel Sam Drive Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7

Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy This GM vehicle has a number of sophisticated computers that record information about the vehicle’s performance and how it is driven. For example, the vehicle uses computer modules to monitor and control engine and transmission performance, to monitor the conditions for airbag deployment and deploy airbags in a crash, and, if so equipped, to provide antilock braking to help the driver control the vehicle. These modules may store data to help your dealer technician service the vehicle. Some modules may also store data about how you operate the vehicle, such as rate of fuel consumption or average speed. These modules may also retain the owner’s personal preferences, such as radio presets, seat positions, and temperature settings.

Event Data Recorders This vehicle has an Event Data Recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle's systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as: . How various systems in the

vehicle were operating.

. Whether or not the driver and

passenger safety belts were buckled/fastened.

. How far, if at all, the driver was pressing the accelerator and/or brake pedal.

. How fast the vehicle was

traveling.

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Customer Information

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This data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur. Important: EDR data is recorded by the vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data is recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) is recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation. To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.

GM will not access this data or share it with others except: with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee; in response to an official request by police or similar government office; as part of GM's defense of litigation through the discovery process; or, as required by law. Data that GM collects or receives may also be used for GM research needs or may be made available to others for research purposes, where a need is shown and the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner.

OnStar® If the vehicle is equipped with an active OnStar system, that system may also record data in crash or near crash-like situations. The OnStar Terms and Conditions provides information on data collection and use and is available

at www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada), or by pressing the Q button and speaking to an advisor. See OnStar Overview on page 14‑1.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system security, as well as in connection with conveniences such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use or record personal information or link with any other GM system containing personal information.

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Customer Information

Radio Frequency Statement This vehicle has systems that operate on a radio frequency that comply with Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and with Industry Canada Standards RSS‐GEN/210/220/310. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. The device may not cause

harmful interference.

2. The device must accept any

interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modifications to any of these systems by other than an authorized service facility could void authorization to use this equipment.

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OnStar

OnStar Overview

Push X to:

OnStar

14-1

OnStar Overview

OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1

OnStar Services

Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5

OnStar Additional Information

OnStar Additional

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5

. Make a call, end a call,

or answer an incoming call.

. Give OnStar Hands-Free Calling

voice commands.

. Give OnStar Turn-by-Turn

Navigation voice commands. Requires the available Directions and Connections service plan.

Push Q to connect to a live Advisor to: . Verify account information or

update contact information.

. Get driving directions. Requires

the available Directions and Connections service plan.

. Receive On-Demand

Diagnostics for a check on the vehicle’s key operating systems.

. Receive Roadside Assistance.

If equipped, this vehicle has a comprehensive, in-vehicle system that can connect to a live Advisor for Emergency, Security, Navigation, Connection, and Diagnostic Services. The OnStar system status light is next to the OnStar buttons. If the status light is: . Solid Green: System is ready.

Flashing Green: On a call. . Red: Indicates a problem. Push Q or call 1‐888‐4‐ONSTAR (1‐888‐466‐7827) to speak to an Advisor.

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OnStar

Push ] to get a priority connection to an Emergency Advisor available 24/7 to: . Get help for an emergency. . Be a Good Samaritan or

respond to an AMBER Alert.

. Get crisis assistance and

evacuation routes.

OnStar Services

Emergency With Automatic Crash Response, the built-in system can automatically connect to help in a crash even if you cannot ask for it. Push ] to connect to an Emergency Advisor. GPS technology is used to identify the vehicle location and can provide critical information to emergency personnel. The Advisor is also trained to offer critical assistance in emergency situations.

Security OnStar provides services like Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Remote Ignition Block, and Roadside Assistance, if the vehicle is equipped with these services. OnStar can unlock the vehicle doors remotely, if it is equipped with automatic door locks, and can help police locate the vehicle if it is stolen.

Navigation OnStar navigation requires the Directions and Connections service plan. Push Q to receive directions or have them sent to the vehicle navigation screen. Destinations can also be forwarded to the vehicle from Google Maps™ or MapQuest.com. The OnStar mapping database is continuously updated. Visit www.onstar.com for coverage maps. Turn-by-Turn Navigation 1. Push Q to connect to a live

Advisor.

2. Request directions. 3. Directions are downloaded to the

vehicle.

4. Follow the voice-guided

commands.

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Using Voice Commands During a Planned Route

Cancel Route

1. Push X. System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone. Say “Cancel route.” System responds: “Would you like to cancel route directions to your destination?”

2. Say “Yes.” System responds:

“OK, route canceled.”

3. Say “Goodbye.” Exits voice

commands.

Route Preview

1. Push X. System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone.

2. Say “Route Preview.” System responds with the next three maneuvers.

3. Say “Goodbye.” Exits voice

commands.

Repeat

1. Push X. System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone.

2. Say “Repeat.” System responds with the last direction given, then responds with “OnStar ready,” then a tone.

3. Say “Goodbye.” Exits voice

commands.

Get My Destination

1. Push X. System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone.

2. Say “Get my destination.”

System responds with miles to the destination, then responds with “OnStar ready,” then a tone.

3. Say “Goodbye.” Exits voice

commands.

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Other Navigation Services Available from OnStar OnStar eNav: Allows subscribers to send destinations from Google Maps and MapQuest.com to their Turn-by-Turn Navigation or screen-based navigation system. When ready, the directions will be downloaded to the vehicle. Destination Download: Push Q, then request the Advisor to download directions to the navigation system in the vehicle. After the call ends, push the “Go” button on the navigation screen to begin driving directions. Destinations can also be downloaded on the go. For information about eNav, Destination Download, and coverage maps visit www.onstar.com.

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OnStar

Connections OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows calls to be made and received from the vehicle. The vehicle can also be controlled from a cell phone through the OnStar RemoteLink mobile app. See www.onstar.com for coverage maps. Hands-Free Calling

1. Push X. System responds:

“OnStar ready.”

2. Say “Dial.” System responds:

“Please say the name or number to call.”

3. Say the entire number without

pausing, including a “1” and the area code. System responds: “OK calling.”

Retrieve My Number

1. Push X. System responds:

“OnStar ready.”

2. Say “My Number.” System

responds: “Your OnStar Hands-Free Calling number is.”

End a Call

Push X. System responds: “Call ended.” Store a Name Tag for Speed Dialing

1. Push X. System responds:

“OnStar ready.”

2. Say “Store.” System responds:

“Please say the number you would like to store.”

3. Say the entire number without

pausing. System responds: “Please say the name tag.” 4. Pick a name tag. “System

responds: ”About to store . Does that sound OK?”

5. Say “Yes” or “No” to try again. System responds: “OK, storing .”

Place a Call Using a Stored Number

1. Push X. System responds:

“OnStar ready.”

2. Say “Call .” System

responds: “OK, calling .”

Verify Minutes and Expiration

Push X and say “minutes” then “verify” to check how many minutes remain and their expiration date. OnStar Mobile App With an iPhone® or Android™-based mobile device, an OnStar RemoteLink mobile app can be downloaded. The vehicle can be remote started, if equipped, or the doors can be unlocked from anywhere there is cell phone service. It can also check the fuel level, tire pressure, and oil life. It can connect to an OnStar Advisor anytime. For OnStar mobile app compatibility or further information, see www.onstar.com.

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Diagnostics OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics will perform a vehicle check every month. It will check the engine, transmission, antilock brakes, and major vehicle systems. It also checks the tire pressures, if the vehicle is equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. If a diagnostics check is needed between e-mails, push Q, and an Advisor can run a check.

OnStar Additional Information

Transferring Service Push Q to request account transfer eligibility information. The Advisor can assist in canceling or removing account information. If OnStar receives information that vehicle ownership has changed, OnStar may send a voice message to the vehicle, requesting updated account information. Reactivation for Subsequent Owners Push Q and follow the prompts to speak to an Advisor as soon as possible after acquiring the vehicle. The Advisor will update vehicle records and will explain the OnStar service offers and options available.

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How OnStar Service Works Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services, Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock, Roadside Assistance, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, and Hands-Free Calling are available on most vehicles. Not all OnStar services are available everywhere or on all vehicles. For more information, a full description of OnStar services, system limitations, and OnStar terms and conditions, see www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada); contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY 1‐877‐248‐2080; or push Q to speak with an Advisor. OnStar services require a vehicle electrical system, wireless service, and GPS satellite technologies to be available and operating for features to function properly. These systems may not operate if the battery is discharged or disconnected.

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OnStar

OnStar service cannot work unless your vehicle is in a place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless service provider for service in that area, and the wireless service provider has coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology compatible with OnStar’s service. Service involving location information about the vehicle cannot work unless GPS signals are available, unobstructed, and compatible with the OnStar hardware. OnStar service may not work if the OnStar equipment is not properly installed or it has not been properly maintained. If equipment or software is added, connected, or modified, OnStar service may not work. Other problems beyond OnStar’s control may prevent service such as hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather, electrical system design and architecture of the vehicle, damage to the vehicle in a crash, or wireless phone network congestion or jamming.

See Radio Frequency Statement on page 13‑16 for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310. Services for People with Disabilities Advisors provide services to help subscribers with physical disabilities and medical conditions. Push Q for help with:

Locating a gas station with an attendant to pump gas. Finding a hotel, restaurant, etc., that meets accessibility needs.

. Providing directions to the

closest hospital or pharmacy in urgent situations.

TTY Users OnStar has the ability to communicate to the deaf, hard‐of‐hearing, or speech‐impaired customers while in the vehicle. The

available dealer‐installed TTY system can provide in-vehicle access to all of the OnStar services, except Virtual Advisor and OnStar Turn‐by‐Turn Navigation. Onstar.com The website provides access to account information, manages the OnStar subscription, and allows viewing of videos of each service. Get subscription plan pricing and sign up for OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics. Click on the “My Account” tab on the home page. OnStar Personal Identification Number (PIN) A PIN is needed to access some of the OnStar services, like Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. You will be prompted to change the PIN the first time when speaking with an Advisor. To change the OnStar PIN, call OnStar and provide the Advisor with the current number.

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Warranty OnStar equipment may be warranted as part of the new-vehicle limited warranty. The manufacturer of the vehicle furnishes detailed warranty information. Languages The vehicle can be programmed to respond in French or Spanish. Push Q and ask an Advisor. Advisors can speak French or Spanish. Potential Issues Some OnStar services are disabled after five days. OnStar cannot perform Remote Door Unlock or Stolen Vehicle Assistance after the vehicle has been off continuously for five days. After five days, OnStar can contact Roadside Assistance and a locksmith to help gain access to the vehicle.

Global Positioning System (GPS) . Obstruction of the GPS can occur in a large city with tall buildings; in parking garages; around airports; in tunnels, underpasses, or parking garages; or in an area with very dense trees. If GPS signals are not available, the OnStar system should still operate to call OnStar. However, OnStar could have difficulty identifying the exact location. In emergency situations, OnStar can use the last stored GPS location to send to emergency responders.

. A temporary loss of GPS can

cause loss of the ability to send a Turn-by-Turn Navigation route. The Advisor may give a verbal route or may ask for a call back after the vehicle is driven into an open area.

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Cellular and GPS Antennas Avoid placing items over or near the antenna to prevent blocking cellular and GPS signal reception. Cellular reception is required for OnStar to send remote signals to the vehicle. Unable to Connect to OnStar Message If there is limited cellular coverage or the cellular network has reached maximum capacity, this message may come on. Push Q to try the call again or try again after driving a few miles into another cellular area. Vehicle and Power Issues OnStar services require a vehicle electrical system, wireless service, and GPS satellite technologies to be available and operating for features to function properly. These systems may not operate if the battery is discharged or disconnected.

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OnStar

Add-on Electrical Equipment The OnStar system is integrated into the electrical architecture of the vehicle. Do not add any electrical equipment. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9‑40. Added electrical equipment may interfere with the operation of the OnStar system and cause it to not operate. Privacy The complete OnStar Privacy Statement may be found at www.onstar.com. Privacy-sensitive users of wireless communications are cautioned that the privacy of any information sent via wireless cellular communications cannot be assured. Third parties may unlawfully intercept or access transmissions and private communications without consent.

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INDEX

i-1

Accessories and

Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Add-On Electrical

Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Additional Information,

OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-13
Air Filter, Passenger

Compartment

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Airbag System

Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31
How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-26

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24

Airbag System (cont'd)

What Will You See after an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-24

When Should an Airbag

Antilock Brake

System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16

Appearance Care

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-23
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . .3-21

Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83

Airbags

Adding Equipment to the

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-11
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Servicing Airbag-Equipped

Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-30
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

Alarm System

Anti-theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Antenna

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

Anti-theft

Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Armrest

Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Assistance Program,

Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5

Audio

Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-19
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-13

Audio System

Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . .7-13
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2

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i-2

INDEX

Automatic

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-24
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 10-12

Automatic Transmission

Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-25
Shift Lock Control

Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24

Auxiliary

Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-16

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . 10-26
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . 7-19, 7-21, 7-25
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

Brake

System Warning Light . . . . . . . .5-16
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21
Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-28
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Headlamps, Front Turn

Signal, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . 10-31
Taillamps, Turn Signal,

Stoplamps, and Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52

Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
California

Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . .9-36
Perchlorate Materials

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii Capacities and

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Carbon Monoxide

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-22
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Cargo

Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Cautions, Danger, and

Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Central Locking System . . . . . . . . 2-7

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (3,1)

Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 5-12
Check

Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13
Ignition

Transmission Lock . . . . . . . . 10-25

Child Restraints

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-34

Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . .3-39
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-32
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45, 3-48
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-36
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33
Cleaning

Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . 8-1
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Clutch, Hydraulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Code Set Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . 13-9
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 10-73
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Compressor Kit, Tire

Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Connections, OnStar® . . . . . . . . . 14-4
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Coolant

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Temperature

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Courtesy Transportation

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8

Cover

Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

INDEX

i-3

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-3
Text Telephone (TTY)

Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-4

Customer Information Service Publications

Ordering Information . . . . . . 13-12

Customer Satisfaction

Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1

Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . 13-9
Danger, Warnings, and

Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv . . . . . . . 13-14

Data Recorders, Event Daytime Running

Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Devices, Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (4,1)

i-4

INDEX

Diagnostics, OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Door

Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-23
Ajar Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . 12-3
Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Driving

Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . .1-21
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Electrical Equipment,

Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40

Electrical System

Engine Compartment

Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

Fuses and Circuit

Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

Instrument Panel Fuse

Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Emergency, OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
Engine

Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Check and Service Engine

Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13
Compartment Overview . . . . . . .10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Coolant Temperature

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . .12-3
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-22
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-18
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

Engine (cont'd)

Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Reduced Power Light . . . . . . . . .5-21
Running While Parked . . . . . . . .9-23
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3, 9-17
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-14
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Filter,

Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-4
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Fluid

Automatic Transmission . . . . 10-12
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20

Fog Lamps

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Front Fog Lamp

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (5,1)

Front Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Front Seats

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-36
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-21
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . 9-2
Filling a Portable Fuel

Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-37
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . .9-36
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . .9-36
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . .5-20
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-35
Requirements, California . . . . .9-36

Fuses

Engine Compartment

Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

Fuses and Circuit

Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

Instrument Panel Fuse

Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36

Gasoline

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-36

Gauges

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Warning Lights and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

General Information

Service and Maintenance . . . . . 11-1
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-39
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
GM Mobility Reimbursement

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5

Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 6-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

INDEX

i-5

Headlamps

Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Daytime Running

Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Daytime Running Lamps

(DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . .5-22
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . .5-21
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . .5-22
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Heater

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-18
Heating and Air Conditioning . . . 8-1
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 9-7
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (6,1)

i-6

INDEX

Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Ignition Transmission Lock

Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21

Indicator

Code Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15

Infants and Young Children,

Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Instrument Panel

Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74

Keyless Entry

Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-38
Lamps

Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-2
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Headlamps, Front Turn

Signal, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . .5-13
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
LATCH System

Replacing Parts after a

Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-45

LATCH, Lower Anchors and

Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Liftgate

Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Lighting

Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Lights

Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Antilock Brake System

(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16
Brake System Warning . . . . . . .5-16
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
Daytime Running

Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-23
Engine Coolant

Temperature Warning . . . . . . .5-19
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-22
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-21
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Reduced Engine Power . . . . . .5-21
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . .5-10
Service Vehicle Soon . . . . . . . . .5-15
Speed Sensitive Power

Steering (SSPS) Warning . . .5-17
StabiliTrak® OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (7,1)

Lights (cont'd)

Traction Control System

(TCS)/StabiliTrak® . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Up-Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17
Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Locks

Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Central Locking System . . . . . . . 2-7
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-20
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Maintenance

Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15

Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluids

and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-13
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Messages

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27

Mirrors

Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

Monitor System, Tire

Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46

Navigation

OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . 9-15

Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Off-Road

Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

INDEX

i-7

Oil

Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . 3-32
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
OnStar®

Additional Information . . . . . . . .14-5
Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-4
Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-5
Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2
Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-1
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2
System, In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-22

Operation, Infotainment

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Ordering

Service Publications . . . . . . . . 13-12

Outlets

Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Overview, Infotainment

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2, 7-4
Overview, OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . . 5-15

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

Black plate (8,1)

i-8

INDEX

Park

Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-29
Brake and P (Park)

Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-25
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . .9-22

Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Passenger Compartment Air

Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Passenger Sensing System . . . 3-26
Perchlorate Materials

Requirements, California . . . . . 10-3

Personalization

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27

Phone

Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . 7-19, 7-21, 7-25

Power

Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Power (cont'd)

Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . .5-21
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . .9-19
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Pregnancy, Using Safety

Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 5-4
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Recommended

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-35

Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

Recommended Fluids and

Privacy

Radio Frequency

Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

Records

Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . 13-15

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-15

Program

Recreational Vehicle

Courtesy Transportation . . . . . .13-8

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77

Proposition 65 Warning,

Reduced Engine Power

California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Radio Frequency

Identification (RFID) . . . . . . . . 13-15
Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16

Radios

AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-12
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Reimbursement Program,

GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Replacement Parts

Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-31
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-14
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . 3-31

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Replacing LATCH System

Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45

Replacing Safety Belt

System Parts after a Crash . . . 3-18

Reporting Safety Defects

Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13

Restraints

Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-38

Retained Accessory

Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19

Roads

Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

Roadside Assistance

Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-5

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . 12-3
Running the Vehicle While

Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17
How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . .3-18
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . .3-17

Safety Defects Reporting

Canadian Government . . . . . . 13-13
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . 13-7
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
Seats

Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

INDEX

i-9

Securing Child

Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45, 3-48

Security

OnStar® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-2
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Service

Accessories and

Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . .10-4
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13
Maintenance Records . . . . . . .11-15
Maintenance, General

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
. . . . .12-1

Parts Identification Label Publications Ordering

Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Scheduling Appointments . . . . .13-7
Vehicle Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Shift Lock Control Function

Check, Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24

Shifting

Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-20
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-21

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i-10

INDEX

Signals, Turn and

Storage Areas

Tires

Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Spare Tire

Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73

Specifications and

Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Speed Sensitive Power

Steering (SSPS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
StabiliTrak

OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-31
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . 1-3, 9-17
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-30

Storage

Load Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storing the Tire Sealant

and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv System

Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Taillamps

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-4
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . 2-11
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-47
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-19
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-46
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Sealant and

Compressor Kit

. . . . . . . . . . . 10-59

Sealant and Compressor

Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-66
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Terminology and

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

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INDEX

i-11

Tires (cont'd)

Wheel Alignment and Tire

Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-56
When It Is Time for New

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51

Towing

General Information . . . . . . . . . .9-39
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-77
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77

Traction

Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . .9-29
Control System (TCS)/

StabiliTrak® Light . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18

Transmission

Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-24
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13

Transportation Program,

Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Turn and Lane-Change

Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Turn Signal

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-30

Uniform Tire Quality

Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

Vehicle (cont'd)

Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . .5-15
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77

Vehicle Care

Storing the Tire Sealant

and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 10-66
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Vehicle

Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Identification

Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-27

Warning

Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . .5-16

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Cautions and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . .iv Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20

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i-12

INDEX

Wheels

Alignment and Tire

Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-56

When It Is Time for New

Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
. . . . 3-38
Where to Put the Restraint Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Windshield

Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Winter

Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 10-26
Wipers

Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-3
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Keys, Doors, and

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Luggage/Load Locations . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-27

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-15
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-24
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-29
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39