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Chevrolet 2012 Sonic User Manual

Chevrolet 2012 Sonic
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Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012 - CRC - 11/9/11
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
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
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
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
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-40
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27

Table of Contents

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Chevrolet 2012 Sonic Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandChevrolet
Model2012 Sonic
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

Summary

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Overview of the instrument panel layout and its components.

Initial Drive Information

Key features for initial driving and starting the engine.

Vehicle Features

Description of various vehicle features like radio, Bluetooth, and cruise control.

Performance and Maintenance

Information on vehicle performance enhancements and routine maintenance.

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Details on vehicle keys, lock operation, and security features.

Doors

Specifics on trunk and liftgate operation and security.

Vehicle Security

Information on the anti-theft alarm and immobilizer systems.

Exterior Mirrors

Adjustment and features of manual and power exterior mirrors.

Interior Mirrors

How to adjust the manual rearview mirror for optimal visibility.

Windows

Operation of manual and power windows, including express and safety functions.

Sun Visors

Use of sun visors and vanity mirrors to reduce glare.

Roof

Operation and maintenance of the vehicle's sunroof feature.

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Importance and adjustment of head restraints for neck injury prevention in crashes.

Front Seats

How to adjust front seats, including seatback recline and armrest positions.

Rear Seats

Instructions for folding down the rear seatbacks for increased cargo space.

Safety Belts

Essential information on the proper use and function of vehicle safety belts.

Airbag System

Detailed explanation of airbag types, deployment, and safety precautions.

Child Restraints

Crucial information on selecting and securely installing child restraints for safety.

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Overview of primary vehicle controls like steering wheel, horn, and wipers.

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Explanation of all dashboard warning lights, gauges, and indicators and their meanings.

Information Displays

How to use the Driver Information Center (DIC) for vehicle data and messages.

Vehicle Messages

Understanding various vehicle messages and their required actions.

Vehicle Personalization

Customizing vehicle features and settings through the audio system controls.

Infotainment System

Introduction

Introduction to the infotainment system and its features for safe operation.

Theft-Deterrent Feature

How the theft-deterrent feature works using the VIN to secure the infotainment system.

Overview (AM-FM Radio)

Identification and basic functions of the AM-FM radio controls.

Overview (Radio with CD/USB)

Overview of radio controls including CD player and USB port functions.

Operation

How to operate the infotainment system using pushbuttons, knobs, and steering wheel controls.

Radio

Detailed operation of AM-FM radio, including band selection and tuning.

Audio Players

Information on playing CDs, MP3 CDs, and auxiliary devices.

Phone

Using Bluetooth for hands-free calling and managing phone contacts.

Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems

Explanation of climate control systems with heater, AC, and heater-only options.

Air Vents

Location and operation of air vents for directing airflow within the cabin.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance for the air intake and passenger compartment air filter.

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Tips for better fuel economy, avoiding distractions, and safe driving practices.

Starting and Operating

Procedures for new vehicle break-in, ignition positions, and starting the engine.

Engine Exhaust

Information about engine exhaust, carbon monoxide hazards, and ventilation.

Automatic Transmission

How to operate the automatic transmission, including Park, Reverse, and Manual Mode.

Manual Transmission

Operation and shifting procedures for the manual transmission.

Brakes

Detailed information on antilock brakes, brake pedal, and proper braking techniques.

Ride Control Systems

Explanation of Traction Control (TCS) and StabiliTrak® system functions.

Cruise Control

How to set, use, and disengage the cruise control system for optimal driving.

Fuel

Information on recommended fuel, specifications, and filling the tank safely.

Towing

General information and restrictions regarding towing the vehicle.

Conversions and Add-Ons

Advice on adding electrical equipment and potential impacts on vehicle systems.

Vehicle Care

General Information

General advice on vehicle service and parts from authorized dealers.

Vehicle Checks

Routine checks and services that owners can perform themselves.

Headlamp Aiming

How to adjust headlamp aim and when to seek professional service.

Bulb Replacement

Procedures for replacing various exterior and interior light bulbs.

Electrical System

Information on electrical system overloads, fuses, and circuit breakers.

Wheels and Tires

Maintenance, inspection, and replacement guidelines for tires and wheels.

Service and Maintenance

General Information

Importance of required maintenance for vehicle performance and value.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance schedule and owner checks for optimal vehicle condition.

Special Application Services

Specific services required for commercial use or severe driving conditions.

Additional Maintenance and Care

Additional services and conditions requiring attention for vehicle longevity.

Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts

List of recommended fluids, lubricants, and parts for vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance Records

A log to record performed services, dates, and odometer readings.

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification

Information on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and its location.

Vehicle Data

Capacities and specifications for various vehicle systems and components.

Customer Information

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

Steps to follow if concerns arise regarding vehicle sales or service.

Reporting Safety Defects

How to report safety defects to government agencies and General Motors.

Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy

Information on vehicle data recording, privacy, and event data recorders.

OnStar

OnStar Overview

Introduction to the OnStar system, its services, and status indicator lights.

OnStar Services

Details on Emergency, Security, Navigation, Connections, and Diagnostics services.

OnStar Additional Information

Information on transferring service, reactivation, and how OnStar services work.

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