2016 Chevrolet Sonic Owners Manual

front of you.

. Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

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{ Warning

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.

Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency. Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include: . Keep enough distance between

you and the vehicle in front of you.

. Avoid needless heavy braking. . Keep pace with traffic. If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Electric Power Steering The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, power steering assist may be reduced. If the steering assist is used for an extended period of time, power assist may be reduced. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down. See your dealer if there is a problem.

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Curve Tips . Take curves at a reasonable

speed.

. Reduce speed before entering a

curve.

. Maintain a reasonable steady

speed through the curve.

. Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies . There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.

. Holding both sides of the

steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.

. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.

2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.

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3. Turn the steering wheel to go

straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control

Skidding There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems: . Braking Skid — wheels are not

rolling.

. Steering or Cornering Skid —

too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.

. Acceleration Skid — too much

throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions: . Ease your foot off the

accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go.

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The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.

. Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.

. Try to avoid sudden steering,

acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.

Driving on Wet Roads Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate.

Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water.

{ Warning

Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally. Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle's tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet. Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include: . Allow extra following distance. . Pass with caution. . Keep windshield wiping

equipment in good shape.

. Keep the windshield washer fluid

reservoir filled.

. Have good tires with proper

tread depth. See Tires 0 254.

. Turn off cruise control.

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Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include: . Keep the vehicle serviced and in

good shape.

. Check all fluid levels and brakes,

tires, cooling system, and transmission.

. Shift to a lower gear when going

down steep or long hills.

{ Warning

Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.

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{ Warning

Winter Driving

Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.

. Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross the center line.

. Be alert on top of hills;

something could be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, accident).

. Pay attention to special road signs (e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

Driving on Snow or Ice Snow or ice between the tires and the road creates less traction or grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated.

For Slippery Road Driving: . Accelerate gently. Accelerating

too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick.

. Turn on Traction Control. See

Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 204.

. The Antilock Brake System

(ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops, but the brakes should be applied sooner than when on dry pavement. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) 0 202.

. Allow greater following distance and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise

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clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice.

. Turn off cruise control. Blizzard Conditions Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program 0 322. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe: . Turn on the hazard warning

flashers.

. Tie a red cloth to an outside

mirror.

{ Warning

Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death. If the vehicle is stuck in snow:

. Clear snow from the base of

the vehicle, especially any blocking the exhaust pipe. . Open a window about 5 cm

(2 in) on the vehicle side that is away from the wind, to bring in fresh air.

. Fully open the air outlets on

or under the instrument panel.

. Adjust the climate control system to circulate the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”

For more information about CO, see Engine Exhaust 0 197.

To save fuel, run the engine for short periods to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and partially close the window. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes time for help to arrive, when running the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible, to save fuel.

If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 204.

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{ Warning

Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also reduce stopping distance, damage the tires, and shorten the life of the vehicle.

causes a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, see Towing the Vehicle 0 289.

Vehicle Load Limits It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels on the vehicle may show how much weight it may properly carry: the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification label.

{ Warning

If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h (35 mph).

Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions

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Tire and Loading Information Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and Loading Information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the tire size of the original

equipment tires (3) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (4). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires 0 254 and Tire Pressure 0 261. There is also important loading information on the Certification label. It may show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification Label” later in this section.

“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit– 1. Locate the statement "The

combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.

2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.

3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.

4. The resulting figure equals

the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

5. Determine the combined

weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to

6.

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your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.”

This vehicle is neither designed nor intended to tow a trailer.

3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

Example 2

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

2. Subtract Occupant

Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs). 3. Available Cargo Weight

= 113 kg (250 lbs).

Example 3

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

2. Subtract Occupant

Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

3. Available Cargo Weight

= 0 kg (0 lbs).

Refer to the vehicle's Tire and Loading Information label for specific information about the vehicle's capacity weight and seating positions. The combined

Example 1

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).

2. Subtract Occupant

Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).

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weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.

Certification Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification label is attached to the vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The label may show the gross weight capacity of the vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.

{ Warning

Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

. Put things in the cargo

area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.

. Never stack heavier

things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.

. Do not leave an

unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.

. Secure loose items in the

vehicle.

. Do not leave a seat folded down unless needed.

Starting and Operating

New Vehicle Break-In

Caution

The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one

constant speed, fast or slow, for the first 805 km (500 mi). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.

. Avoid making hard stops for

the first 322 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this

(Continued)

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Caution (Continued)

breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.

Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.

Ignition Positions

The ignition switch has four different positions. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN and the regular brake pedal applied.

0 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/ OFF) : When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/ OFF to turn the engine off. This position locks the ignition and transmission. The steering wheel may also lock, if equipped. Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving. This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and steering systems and disable the airbags. If the vehicle must be shut off in an emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady

pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete power assist, requiring increased brake pedal force.

2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).

This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a safe location.

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3. Come to a complete stop. Shift

to P (Park) with an automatic transmission, or Neutral with a manual transmission. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

4. Set the parking brake. See

Parking Brake 0 202. { 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, turn the ignition to ACC/ ACCESSORY.

Caution

Using a tool to force the key to turn in the ignition could cause damage to the switch or break the (Continued)

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Caution (Continued)

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 the position in which things like the radio and the windshield wipers can be operated when the engine is off. 2 (ON/RUN) : This position can be used to operate the electrical accessories and to display some instrument cluster warning and indicator lights. This position can also be used for service and diagnostics, and to verify the proper operation of the malfunction indicator lamp as may be required for emission inspection purposes. The switch stays in this position when the engine is running. If you leave the key in the ACC/ ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be drained. You may not be able to

start the vehicle if the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time. 3 (START) : This is the position that starts the engine. When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition switch returns to ON/RUN for driving. A warning tone will sound when the driver door is opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/ OFF, and the key is in the ignition. If the ignition becomes difficult to turn, see Keys 0 25.

Starting the Engine

Automatic Transmission Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart the engine when 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. See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0 217.

Manual Transmission The shift lever should be in Neutral and the parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine.

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Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the

accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When the engine cranks, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine gets warm.

3.

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.

2.

If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again. Wait about 15 seconds between each try. When the engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, the vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not run the engine at high speed when it is cold.

If the weather is below freezing (0 °C or 32 °F), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up. If the engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, it could be flooded with too much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and holding it there as you hold the key in START for about three seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing, but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.

Engine Heater The engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting. 1. Turn off the engine.

2. Open the hood and unwrap the

electrical cord. The cord is located in the driver side of the engine compartment, near the battery. It is shipped from the factory with a tie holding it in place. Use care in removing the tie so that the cord is not damaged. Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer for a replacement. Inspect the cord for damage yearly.

3. Plug it into a normal, grounded

110-volt AC outlet.

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{ Warning

Improper use of the heater cord or an extension cord can damage the cord and may result in overheating and fire.

. Plug the cord into a

three-prong electrical utility receptacle that is protected by a ground fault detection function. An ungrounded outlet could cause an electric shock.

. Use a weatherproof,

heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated extension cord if needed. Failure to use the recommended extension cord in good operating condition, or using a damaged heater or extension cord, could make

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

it overheat and cause a fire, property damage, electric shock, and injury.

. Do not operate the vehicle

with the heater cord permanently attached to the vehicle. Possible heater cord and thermostat damage could occur.

. While in use, do not let the

heater cord touch vehicle parts or sharp edges. Never close the hood on the heater cord.

. Before starting the vehicle,

unplug the cord, reattach the cover to the plug, and securely fasten the cord. Keep the cord away from any moving parts.

4. Before starting the engine, be

sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it

away from moving engine parts. If you do not it could be damaged.

The length of time the heater should remain plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice on this.

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) These vehicle accessories may be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is turned off: . Audio System . Power Windows . Sunroof The power windows and sunroof will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until any door is opened. The radio will work when the key is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from ON/ RUN to LOCK/OFF, the radio will

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continue to work for 10 minutes after the last input (button press, knob turn) to the radio is detected. It is possible to turn the radio back on at any time after it has timed out using the Power knob. The radio will be functional for 10 minutes after the last input (button press, knob turn) to the radio is detected.

Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) 1. Hold the brake pedal down and

set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0 202.

2. Move the shift lever into

P (Park) by pressing the button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.

3. Turn the ignition key to

LOCK/OFF.

4. Remove the key and take it

with you. If you can leave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).

Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running (Automatic Transmission)

{ Warning

It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. It could overheat and catch fire. It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) 0 195.

If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the

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parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake pedal down. Then see if you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without first pushing the button on the shift lever. If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park). Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called “torque lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver seat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into Park” previously in this section. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of P (Park) before you release the parking brake.

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If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).

Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock control. The shift lock control is designed to: . Prevent ignition key removal

unless the shift lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully released.

. Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park) unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake pedal is applied.

The shift lock control is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.

If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting - North America 0 287. To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal. 2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN. 3. Press the shift lever button. 4. Move the shift lever to the

desired position.

If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever

button.

Parking If the vehicle has a manual transmission, before getting out of the vehicle, move the shift lever into R (Reverse) if parking on a downhill slope. On a level surface or an uphill slope, use 1 (First) gear. Firmly apply the parking brake. Turn the wheels toward the curb for a downhill slope, or away from the curb for an uphill slope. Once the shift lever has been placed into gear with the clutch pedal pressed in, turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF, remove the key, and release the clutch.

2. Hold the brake pedal down and

press the shift lever button again.

Parking over Things That Burn

3. Move the shift lever to the

desired position.

If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer or a professional towing service. The doors may lock when shifting from P (Park). See Automatic Door Locks 0 32.

{ Warning

Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that can burn.

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Warning (Continued)

. There are holes or openings

in the vehicle body from damage or aftermarket modifications that are not completely sealed.

If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:

. Drive it only with the

windows completely down. . Have the vehicle repaired

immediately.

Never park the vehicle with the engine running in an enclosed area such as a garage or a building that has no fresh air ventilation.

Engine Exhaust { Warning

Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death. Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:

. The vehicle idles in areas

with poor ventilation (parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody airflow or tail pipes).

. The exhaust smells or

sounds strange or different. . The exhaust system leaks

due to corrosion or damage. . The vehicle exhaust system

has been modified, damaged, or improperly repaired.

(Continued)

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197

Running the Vehicle While Parked It is better not to park with the engine running. If the vehicle is left with the engine running, follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) 0 195 and Engine Exhaust 0 197. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, see Parking 0 196.

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Automatic Transmission

P : This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.

{ Warning

It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

(Continued)

R : Use this gear to back up.

Caution

Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 186. N : In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

Warning (Continued)

Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) 0 195.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has a shift lock control. You must fully apply the brake pedal then press the shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission) 0 196.

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{ Warning

Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Caution

Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.

D : This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are: . Going less than 56 km/h

(35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.

. Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or

more, push the accelerator all the way down.

M : This position allows you to change gears similar to a manual transmission. If the vehicle has this feature, see “Manual Mode” following.

Manual Mode To use this feature: 1. Move the shift lever from

D (Drive) rearward to M (Manual Mode). While driving in manual mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected gear. When coming to a stop in the manual position, the vehicle will automatically shift into 1 (First) gear.

2. Press the + (plus) end of the button on the side of the shift lever to upshift, or press the − (minus) end of the button to downshift.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) in the instrument cluster will change from the currently displayed message to the letter “M,” for Manual position, and a number indicating the requested gear. While using manual mode, the transmission will have firmer shifting and sportier performance. You can use this for sport driving or when

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climbing hills to stay in gear longer or to downshift for more power or engine braking. The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm): . The transmission will not

automatically shift to the next higher gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too low.

. The transmission will not allow shifting to the next lower gear if the vehicle speed or engine rpm is too high.

Manual Transmission

The vehicle may be equipped with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission.

Caution

Shifting the vehicle initially into any gear other than 1 (First) or R (Reverse) can damage the clutch. Shift the manual transmission in the proper sequence, and time the gear

(Continued)

Caution (Continued)

shifting with the accelerator to avoid revving the engine and damaging the clutch.

1 (First) : Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. You can shift into 1 (First) when going less than 32 km/h (20 mph). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1 (First). 2 (Second) : Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) : Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) (if equipped) the same way as for

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2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral. Neutral : Use this position when you start or idle the engine.

R (Reverse) : To back up, press down the clutch pedal, lift up the reverse lockout ring on the shift

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lever, and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.

Up-Shift Light

Caution

Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

Shift Speeds

{ Warning If you skip a gear when downshifting, you could lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when downshifting.

Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may have an up-shift light. This light indicates when to shift to the next higher gear for better fuel economy. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on, and if the weather, road, and traffic conditions allow. It is normal for the light to go on and off if the accelerator position changes quickly. Ignore the light during downshifts.

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Driving and Operating

Brakes

Antilock Brake System (ABS) This vehicle has ABS, an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid. When the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.

If there is a problem with ABS, this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 0 103. If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to

avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel. ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard. As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.

Using ABS Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You may hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate. This is normal. Braking in Emergencies ABS allows you to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.

Parking Brake

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To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on. See Brake System Warning Light 0 102. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down. Pull the parking brake lever up until you can press the release button. Hold the release button in as you move the brake lever all the way down.

Caution

Driving with the parking brake on can overheat the brake system and cause premature wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure that the parking brake is fully released and the brake warning light is off before driving.

Brake Assist The Brake Assist feature is designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed in emergency driving

conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control module increases brake pressure at each corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal pulsation or pedal movement during this time is normal and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates. The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.

Hill Start Assist (HSA) This vehicle has an HSA feature, which may be useful when the vehicle is stopped on a grade sufficient enough to activate HSA. This feature is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling, either

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forward or rearward, during vehicle drive off. After the driver completely stops and holds the vehicle in a complete standstill on a grade, HSA will be automatically activated. During the transition period between when the driver releases the brake pedal and starts to accelerate to drive off on a grade, HSA holds the braking pressure for a maximum of two seconds to ensure that there is no rolling. The brakes will automatically release when the accelerator pedal is applied within the two-second window. It will not activate if the vehicle is in a drive gear and facing downhill, or if the vehicle is facing uphill and in R (Reverse).

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Ride Control Systems

Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control

System Operation The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an electronic stability control system. These systems help limit wheel slip and assist the driver in maintaining control, especially on slippery road conditions. TCS activates if it senses that any of the drive wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, TCS applies the brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin. StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure to any one of the

vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended path. If cruise control is being used and traction control or StabiliTrak begins to limit wheel spin, cruise control will disengage. Cruise control may be turned back on when road conditions allow. Both systems come on automatically when the vehicle is started and begins to move. The systems may be heard or felt while they are operating or while performing diagnostic checks. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle. It is recommended to leave both systems on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0 186
and “Turning the Systems Off and On” later in this section.

The indicator light for both systems is in the instrument cluster. This light will: . Flash when TCS is limiting

wheel spin.

. Flash when StabiliTrak is

activated.

. Turn on and stay on when either

system is not working.

If either system fails to turn on or to activate, a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), and d comes on and stays on to indicate that the system is inactive and is not assisting the driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to drive, but driving should be adjusted accordingly.

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If d comes on and stays on: 1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Turn the engine off and wait

15 seconds.

3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If d comes on and stays on, the vehicle may need more time to diagnose the problem. If the condition persists, see your dealer. Turning the Systems Off and On

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To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the g button until the traction off light i and StabiliTrak OFF light g come on and stay on in the instrument cluster. To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on again, press and release the g button. The traction off light i and StabiliTrak OFF light g in the instrument cluster turn off. Adding accessories can affect the vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications 0 220.

The button for TCS and StabiliTrak is on the center console.

Caution

Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle driveline could be damaged.

To turn off only TCS, press and release the g button. The traction off light i displays in the instrument cluster. To turn TCS on again, press and release the g button. The traction off light i displayed in the instrument cluster will turn off. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when the g button is pressed, the system will not turn off until the wheels stop spinning.

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See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 204. If a collision alert occurs when cruise control is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0 210. When road conditions allow you to safely use it again, the cruise control can be turned back on. If the brakes are applied, cruise control disengages.

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Driving and Operating

Cruise Control If the vehicle is equipped with cruise control, a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be maintained without keeping your foot on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).

{ Warning

Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot drive safely at a steady speed. Do not use 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 Control System (TCS) or StabiliTrak system begins to limit wheel spin while using cruise control, the cruise control will automatically disengage.

o (On/Off) : Press to turn the cruise control system on and off. A white indicator comes on in the instrument cluster when cruise is turned on.

RES/+ (Resume/Accelerate) : If there is a set speed in memory, move the thumbwheel up briefly to resume to that speed or hold upward to accelerate. If cruise control is already active, use to increase vehicle speed. SET/− (Set/Coast) : Move the thumbwheel down briefly to set the speed and activate cruise control. If cruise control is already active, use to decrease speed. n (Cancel) : Press to disengage cruise control without erasing the set speed from memory.

Setting Cruise Control If o is on when not in use, SET/- or RES/+ could get bumped and go into cruise when not desired. Keep o off when cruise control is not being used. To set cruise control: 1. Press o to turn the cruise

system on.

2. Get to the speed desired.

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3. Move the thumbwheel down to

. Move the thumbwheel up toward

SET/- and release it. 4. Take your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

The cruise control indicator on the instrument cluster turns green after cruise control has been set to the desired speed. See Instrument Cluster 0 96.

Resuming a Set Speed If the cruise control is set at a desired speed and then the brakes or clutch for manual transmissions are applied or n is pressed, the cruise control is disengaged without erasing the set speed from memory. Once the vehicle reaches about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more, move the thumbwheel up toward RES/+ briefly. The vehicle returns to the previous set speed.

Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control If the cruise control system is already activated:

RES/+ and hold it until the desired speed is reached, then release it.

. To increase the vehicle speed in

small increments, move the thumbwheel up toward RES/+ briefly and then release it. For each press, the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) faster. The speedometer reading can be displayed in either English or metric units. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 109. The increment value used depends on the units displayed.

Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control If the cruise control system is already activated: . Move the thumbwheel toward

SET/− and hold until the desired lower speed is reached, then release it.

. To decrease the vehicle speed in

smaller increments, move the thumbwheel toward SET/−

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briefly. For each press, the vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h (1 mph) slower.

The speedometer reading can be displayed in either English or metric units. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 109. The increment value used depends on the units displayed.

Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise Control Use the accelerator pedal to increase the vehicle speed. When you take your foot off the pedal, the vehicle slows down to the previous set cruise control speed. While pressing the accelerator pedal or shortly following the release to override cruise control, briefly moving the thumbwheel toward SET/- will result in cruise control set to the current vehicle speed.

Using Cruise Control on Hills How well cruise control works on hills depends on the vehicle speed, load, and the steepness of the hills. When going up steep hills, you might have to step on the

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Driving and Operating

accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake or shift to a lower gear to keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is applied, cruise control will disengage.

Ending Cruise Control There are four ways to end cruise control: . To disengage cruise control,

step lightly on the brake pedal or clutch for manual transmission. . Press n on the steering wheel. . Shift the transmission to

N (Neutral).

. To turn off cruise control, press

o on the steering wheel.

Erasing Speed Memory The cruise control set speed is erased from memory if the o button is pressed or if the ignition is turned off.

Driver Assistance Systems

Rear Vision Camera (RVC) This vehicle may have the RVC system. Read this entire section before using it. The RVC system can assist the driver when backing up by displaying a view of the area behind the vehicle.

{ Warning

The camera(s) do not display children, pedestrians, bicyclists, crossing traffic, animals, or any other object outside of the cameras’ field of view, below the bumper, or under the vehicle. Shown distances may be different from actual distances. Do not drive or park the vehicle using only these camera(s). Always check behind and around the

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

vehicle before driving. Failure to use proper care may result in injury, death, or vehicle damage.

An image appears on the infotainment screen when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse). The infotainment screen goes to the previous screen after approximately 4 seconds once the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse). To return to the previous screen sooner, do one of the following: . Shift into P (Park). . Reach a vehicle speed of

8 km/h (5 mph).

Guidelines The RVC system has a guideline overlay that can help the driver align the vehicle when backing into a parking spot. To turn the guidelines on or off: 1. Shift into P (Park).

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2. From the home page on the infotainment system, select Settings.

3. Select Rear Camera Options. 4. Select Guidelines.

Rear Vision Camera Error Messages SERVICE REAR VISION CAMERA SYSTEM : This message can display when the system is not operating properly. If any other problem occurs or if a problem persists, see your dealer. Rear Vision Camera Location

The camera is above the license plate. The area displayed by the camera is limited. It does not display objects that are close to either corner or under the bumper and can vary depending on vehicle orientation or road conditions. Displayed images may be closer or farther than they appear. The following illustrations show the field of view that the camera provides.

1. View displayed by the camera.

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1. View displayed by the camera. 2. Corner of the rear bumper. When the System Does Not Seem to Work Properly The RVC system may not work properly or display a clear image if: . The RVC is turned off. See “Turning the Rear Camera System On or Off” earlier in this section. It is dark.

. The sun or the beam of

headlamps are shining directly into the camera lens.

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Ice, snow, mud, or anything else builds up on the camera lens. Clean the lens, rinse it with water, and wipe it with a soft cloth.

. The back of the vehicle is in an

accident. The position and mounting angle of the camera can change or the camera can be affected. Be sure to have the camera and its position and mounting angle checked at your dealer.

Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System If equipped, the FCA system may help to avoid or reduce the harm caused by front-end crashes. When approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a red flashing alert on the windshield and rapidly beeps. FCA detects vehicles within a distance of approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at speeds above 40 km/h (25 mph).

{ Warning

FCA is a warning system and does not apply the brakes. When approaching a slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly, or when following a vehicle too closely, FCA may not provide a warning with enough time to help avoid a crash. FCA does not warn of pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails, bridges, construction barrels, or other objects. Be ready to take action and apply the brakes. For more information, see Defensive Driving 0 181.

FCA can be disabled with the FCA steering wheel control. Detecting the Vehicle Ahead

FCA warnings will not occur unless the FCA system detects a vehicle ahead. When a vehicle is detected, the vehicle ahead indicator will display green. Vehicles may not be detected on curves, highway exit ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a vehicle ahead is partially blocked by pedestrians or other objects. FCA will not detect another vehicle ahead until it is completely in 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

(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)

proper condition. Keep the windshield, headlamps, and FCA sensors clean and in good repair.

Collision Alert

Tailgating Alert The red FCA display will stay continuously illuminated when you are following a detected vehicle ahead much too closely. Selecting the Alert Timing

When your vehicle approaches another detected vehicle too rapidly, the red FCA display on top of the instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel will flash. Also, several rapid high-pitched beeps will sound from the front. When this Collision Alert occurs, the brake system may prepare for driver braking to occur more rapidly which can cause a brief, mild deceleration. Continue to apply the brake pedal as needed. Cruise control may be disengaged when the Collision Alert occurs.

The Collision Alert control is on the steering wheel. Press COLLISION ALERT to set the alert timing to far,