Chevrolet 2013 SONIC - User Manual

Black plate (1,1)
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2013 - 2nd PrintReady - 10/11/12
2013 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual M
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Keys, Doors, and
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
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 . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-26
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26
Downloadable Applications . . . 7-45
Bluetooth Phone/Devices . . . . . 7-50
Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58
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 . . . . . . . 9-13
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-21
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-28
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-38

Summary

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Overview of the vehicle's dashboard layout and components.

Performance and Maintenance

Information on vehicle performance, maintenance schedules, and related systems.

Keys, Doors, and Windows

Keys and Locks

Details on vehicle keys, remote access systems, and locking mechanisms.

Seats and Restraints

Safety Belts

Explains proper usage, safety, and things to avoid with vehicle safety belts.

Airbag System

Describes the vehicle's airbag system, locations, and important safety information.

Child Restraints

Guidance on selecting, installing, and using child restraint systems safely.

Instruments and Controls

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Explanation of various warning lights, gauges, and indicators on the instrument cluster.

Lighting

Exterior Lighting

Information on exterior lamp controls, headlamps, fog lamps, and hazard flashers.

Infotainment System

Radio

Covers AM-FM radio controls, RDS, station selection, and favorite station storage.

Phone

Details on Bluetooth phone connectivity, voice recognition, and making/receiving calls.

Bluetooth Phone;Devices

Explains playing music/movies from USB/iPod/iPhone and audio system information.

Climate Controls

Climate Control Systems

Explains how to control heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.

Driving and Operating

Driving Information

Covers distracted driving, defensive driving, drunk driving, and vehicle control basics.

Starting and Operating

Guidance on new vehicle break-in, ignition positions, starting the engine, and retained accessory power.

Automatic Transmission

Details on automatic transmission operation, manual mode, and shifting.

Manual Transmission

Instructions for operating a manual transmission, including shift speeds and up-shift lights.

Ride Control Systems

Explains Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak® System operation and lights.

Cruise Control

Instructions on setting, resuming, and using cruise control safely.

Fuel

Details on recommended fuel types, octane ratings, and gasoline specifications.

Vehicle Care

Vehicle Checks

Advice on performing DIY service work and essential vehicle checks.

Engine Oil

Essential information on checking, adding, changing, and disposing of engine oil.

Cooling System

Details on the cooling system, its components, and warnings regarding electric fans.

Engine Coolant

Information on the correct type of coolant, mixtures, and warnings about handling.

Brakes

Information on disc brakes, wear indicators, brake fluid, and brake pedal travel.

Battery

Information on battery types, location, and safety precautions.

Electrical System Overload

Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Details on fuses, circuit breakers, and their role in protecting power devices.

Wheels and Tires

Comprehensive guide to tires, including types, maintenance, and inspection.

Tires

General information about tires, their quality grades, and replacement recommendations.

Tire Pressure

Importance of correct tire inflation, when to check, and how to measure pressure.

Tire Pressure Monitor System

How the TPMS works, warning lights, and malfunction indicators.

Jump Starting

Step-by-step instructions and safety precautions for jump-starting a vehicle.

If a Tire Goes Flat

Steps and tips for handling a tire blowout or slow leak.

Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit

Instructions for using the tire sealant and compressor kit for punctures and inflation.

Tire Changing

Detailed instructions for removing the spare tire and changing a flat tire.

Service and Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

Charts outlining normal and severe service intervals for vehicle maintenance.

Technical Data

Vehicle Identification

Vehicle Data

Capacities and specifications for various vehicle systems like cooling, oil, and fuel.

Engine Specifications

Details on engine types, VIN codes, transmission, and spark plug gaps.

Customer Information

Reporting Safety Defects

Roadside Assistance Program

Information on roadside assistance services, coverage, and how to call for help.

Collision Damage Repair

OnStar

OnStar Overview

OnStar Services

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

Chevrolet 2013 SONIC Specifications

General

Brand	Chevrolet
Model	2013 SONIC
Category	Automobile
Language	English