2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Sonic
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
9
Starting the Engine
9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Liftgate
12
Trunk Release
12
Windows
13
Seat Adjustment
13
Second Row Seats
15
Head Restraint Adjustment
15
Safety Belts
15
Passenger Sensing System
15
Mirror Adjustment
16
Steering Wheel Adjustment
17
Interior Lighting
17
Exterior Lighting
18
Windshield Wiper/Washer
18
Climate Controls
19
Transmission
20
Vehicle Features
21
Radio(s)
21
Satellite Radio
22
Portable Audio Devices
22
Bluetooth®
22
Steering Wheel Controls
23
Cruise Control
23
Driver Information Center (DIC)
24
Power Outlets
24
Sunroof
24
Performance and Maintenance
25
Traction Control System (TCS)
25
StabiliTrak® System
25
Tire Pressure Monitor
26
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
26
Engine Oil Life System
26
Hood Release
27
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
27
Roadside Assistance Program
28
OnStar®
28
Keys, Doors, and Windows
29
Keys and Locks
30
Keys
30
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
31
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
31
Remote Vehicle Start
32
Door Locks
34
Central Locking System
35
Door Ajar Reminder
35
Delayed Locking
35
Automatic Door Locks
35
Safety Locks
36
Doors
36
Trunk (Sedan)
36
Liftgate (Hatchback)
38
Vehicle Security
39
Anti-theft Alarm System
39
Immobilizer
39
Immobilizer Operation
39
Exterior Mirrors
40
Convex Mirrors
40
Manual Mirrors
41
Power Mirrors
41
Folding Mirrors
41
Heated Mirrors
41
Interior Mirrors
42
Manual Rearview Mirror
42
Windows
42
Manual Windows
42
Power Windows
43
Sun Visors
44
Roof
45
Sunroof
45
Seats and Restraints
47
Head Restraints
48
Front Seats
50
Seat Adjustment
50
Reclining Seatbacks
51
Front Seat Armrest
52
Heated Front Seats
53
Rear Seats
54
Safety Belts
56
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
57
Lap-Shoulder Belt
58
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
63
Safety Belt Extender
63
Safety System Check
63
Safety Belt Care
64
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
64
Airbag System
65
Where Are the Airbags?
67
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
69
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
70
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
70
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
70
Passenger Sensing System
72
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
76
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
76
Airbag System Check
77
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
77
Child Restraints
78
Older Children
78
Infants and Young Children
80
Child Restraint Systems
82
Where to Put the Restraint
84
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
85
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
91
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
91
Securing Child Restraints (Front Outboard Passenger Seat)
94
Storage
97
Storage Compartments
97
Instrument Panel Storage
97
Glove Box
97
Luggage/Load Locations
97
Load Compartment (Hatchback)
97
Additional Storage Features
98
Cargo Cover (Hatchback)
98
Instruments and Controls
99
Controls
100
Steering Wheel Adjustment
100
Steering Wheel Controls
100
Horn
100
Windshield Wiper/Washer
101
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
102
Compass
102
Clock
103
Power Outlets
103
Cigarette Lighter
104
Ashtrays
105
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
105
Instrument Cluster
106
Speedometer
107
Odometer
107
Trip Odometer
107
Tachometer
107
Fuel Gauge
107
Safety Belt Reminders
108
Airbag Readiness Light
109
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
109
Charging System Light
110
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
111
Service Vehicle Soon Light
113
Owner Manual Indicator
113
Code Set Indicator
113
Brake System Warning Light
114
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
114
Up-Shift Light
115
Speed Sensitive Power Steering (SSPS) Warning Light
115
Traction Off Light
116
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
116
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
116
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
117
Tire Pressure Light
117
Engine Oil Pressure Light
118
Low Fuel Warning Light
118
Immobilizer Light
119
Reduced Engine Power Light
119
High-Beam On Light
119
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light
120
Front Fog Lamp Light
120
Lamps On Reminder
120
Cruise Control Light
120
Door Ajar Light
121
Information Displays
121
Driver Information Center (DIC)
121
Vehicle Messages
125
Vehicle Personalization
125
Lighting
129
Exterior Lighting
129
Exterior Lamp Controls
129
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
130
Flash-to-Pass
130
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
130
Automatic Headlamp System
131
Hazard Warning Flashers
132
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
132
Fog Lamps
132
Interior Lighting
133
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
133
Courtesy Lamps
133
Dome Lamps
134
Reading Lamps
134
Lighting Features
134
Battery Load Management
134
Battery Power Protection
135
Infotainment System
137
Introduction
137
Infotainment
137
Theft-Deterrent Feature
138
Overview (AM-FM Radio)
138
Overview (Radio with CD/USB)
140
Operation
141
Radio
145
AM-FM Radio
145
Satellite Radio
147
Radio Reception
148
Fixed Mast Antenna
149
Satellite Radio Antenna
149
Audio Players
149
CD Player
149
Auxiliary Devices
152
Bluetooth Audio
155
Phone
155
Bluetooth (Overview)
155
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)
157
Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)
161
Climate Controls
167
Climate Control Systems
167
Air Vents
169
Maintenance
170
Air Intake
170
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
170
Driving and Operating
171
Driving Information
172
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
172
Distracted Driving
172
Defensive Driving
173
Drunk Driving
173
Control of a Vehicle
173
Braking
173
Steering
174
Off-Road Recovery
175
Loss of Control
175
Driving on Wet Roads
176
Highway Hypnosis
176
Hill and Mountain Roads
177
Winter Driving
177
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
179
Vehicle Load Limits
180
Starting and Operating
185
New Vehicle Break-In
185
Ignition Positions
185
Starting the Engine
187
Engine Heater
188
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
189
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
190
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission)
191
Parking
192
Parking over Things That Burn
192
Engine Exhaust
192
Running the Vehicle While Parked
193
Automatic Transmission
194
Manual Mode
195
Manual Transmission
196
Brakes
198
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
198
Parking Brake
199
Ride Control Systems
199
Traction Control System (TCS)
199
StabiliTrak® System
201
Cruise Control
203
Fuel
205
Recommended Fuel
205
Gasoline Specifications
206
California Fuel Requirements
206
Fuels in Foreign Countries
206
Fuel Additives
206
Filling the Tank
207
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
209
Towing
209
General Towing Information
209
Conversions and Add-Ons
210
Add-On Electrical Equipment
210
Vehicle Care
211
General Information
212
California Proposition 65 Warning
212
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
213
Accessories and Modifications
213
Vehicle Checks
214
Doing Your Own Service Work
214
Hood
214
Engine Compartment Overview
216
Engine Oil
219
Engine Oil Life System
222
Automatic Transmission Fluid
222
Manual Transmission Fluid
223
Hydraulic Clutch
223
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
223
Cooling System
225
Engine Coolant
226
Engine Overheating
229
Washer Fluid
230
Brakes
231
Brake Fluid
232
Battery
233
Starter Switch Check
234
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
234
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
235
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
235
Wiper Blade Replacement
236
Headlamp Aiming
237
Bulb Replacement
238
Halogen Bulbs
238
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
238
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
240
License Plate Lamp
241
Replacement Bulbs
242
Electrical System
242
Electrical System Overload
242
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
243
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
243
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
246
Wheels and Tires
248
Tires
248
Tire Sidewall Labeling
248
Tire Designations
251
Tire Terminology and Definitions
251
Tire Pressure
254
Tire Pressure Monitor System
256
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
257
Tire Inspection
260
Tire Rotation
260
When It Is Time for New Tires
261
Buying New Tires
262
Different Size Tires and Wheels
264
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
264
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
266
Wheel Replacement
266
Tire Chains
267
If a Tire Goes Flat
267
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
269
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
276
Tire Changing
277
Compact Spare Tire
283
Jump Starting
284
Towing
287
Towing the Vehicle
287
Recreational Vehicle Towing
287
Appearance Care
290
Exterior Care
290
Interior Care
293
Floor Mats
296
Service and Maintenance
297
General Information
297
Maintenance Schedule
299
Special Application Services
304
Additional Maintenance and Care
305
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
308
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
308
Maintenance Replacement Parts
310
Maintenance Records
311
Technical Data
315
Vehicle Identification
315
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
315
Service Parts Identification Label
315
Vehicle Data
316
Capacities and Specifications
316
Engine Drive Belt Routing
317
Customer Information
319
Customer Information
319
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
319
Customer Assistance Offices
321
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
322
Online Owner Center
322
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
323
Roadside Assistance Program
323
Scheduling Service Appointments
325
Courtesy Transportation Program
326
Collision Damage Repair
327
Service Publications Ordering Information
330
Reporting Safety Defects
331
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
331
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
331
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
332
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
332
Event Data Recorders
332
OnStar®
333
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
333
Radio Frequency Statement
334
OnStar
335
OnStar Overview
335
OnStar Services
336
Emergency
336
Security
336
Navigation
336
Connections
338
Diagnostics
339
OnStar Additional Information
339
Index
343
Index_A
343
Index_B
344
Index_C
344
Index_D
345
Index_E
346
Index_F
346
Index_G
347
Index_H
347
Index_I
348
Index_J
348
Index_K
348
Index_L
348
Index_M
349
Index_N
349
Index_O
349
Index_P
350
Index_R
350
Index_S
351
Index_T
352
Index_U
353
Index_V
353
Index_W
353
2012 Chevrolet Sonic Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car that embodies a perfect blend of style, practicality, and performance. Designed for urban dwellers and students alike, the Sonic offers impressive maneuverability, a spacious interior, and a selection of features that make it a competitive choice in the subcompact segment. With sporty aesthetics and functionality, this model appeals to a wide range of drivers looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle.
Powertrains
The 2012 Sonic offers two dynamic powertrains to cater to different driving preferences. The base model comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a spirited 138 horsepower and achieving an impressive fuel economy of up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway. For those seeking a more exhilarating ride, the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the same horsepower but delivers enhanced torque for a peppier acceleration experience, all while maintaining outstanding fuel efficiency.
Trims
The Sonic is available in four well-appointed trims: LS, LT, LTZ, and the sporty RS. The LS serves as a value-oriented entry point, featuring essential amenities like air conditioning and keyless entry. The LT enhances the experience with additional conveniences, while the LTZ brings premium features like leatherette seating and a six-speaker sound system. The RS trim stands out with its unique styling elements and sport-tuned suspension, perfecting the balance between comfort and performance.
Features
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic comes loaded with a range of advanced features for both safety and convenience. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags, electronic traction control, and OnStar with a six-month trial subscription. Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the available MyLink infotainment system, which seamlessly integrates smartphone connectivity, navigation, and streaming audio.
Owner's Manual
The owner's manual for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is an essential document that provides crucial information on the vehicle’s operation, maintenance, and safety features. It offers detailed guidelines on recommended service intervals, troubleshooting tips, and comprehensive instructions on using all available features, ensuring that owners can maximize their Sonic's performance and longevity.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Sonic owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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