2013 Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual

2013 Chevrolet Sonic owners manual
Year:
2013
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Sonic
Rating:
(5)

Online manual

Size:
6.71 MB

Table of Contents

2013 Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
3
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
3
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Starting the Engine
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Liftgate
12
Trunk Release
12
Windows
12
Seat Adjustment
13
Second Row Seats
14
Head Restraint Adjustment
14
Safety Belts
14
Passenger Sensing System
15
Mirror Adjustment
15
Steering Wheel Adjustment
16
Interior Lighting
16
Exterior Lighting
17
Windshield Wiper/Washer
17
Climate Controls
18
Transmission
19
Vehicle Features
20
Radio(s)
20
Satellite Radio
21
Portable Audio Devices
21
Bluetooth®
21
Steering Wheel Controls
22
Cruise Control
22
Driver Information Center (DIC)
23
Power Outlets
23
Sunroof
23
Performance and Maintenance
24
Traction Control System (TCS)
24
StabiliTrak® System
24
Tire Pressure Monitor
24
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
25
Engine Oil Life System
25
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
25
Roadside Assistance Program
26
OnStar®
26
Keys, Doors, and Windows
27
Keys and Locks
27
Keys
27
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
28
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
29
Remote Vehicle Start
30
Door Locks
32
Central Locking System
33
Door Ajar Reminder
33
Delayed Locking
33
Automatic Door Locks
33
Safety Locks
33
Doors
34
Trunk (Sedan)
34
Liftgate (Hatchback)
35
Vehicle Security
36
Vehicle Alarm System
36
Immobilizer
37
Immobilizer Operation
37
Exterior Mirrors
38
Convex Mirrors
38
Manual Mirrors
39
Power Mirrors
39
Folding Mirrors
39
Heated Mirrors
39
Blind Spot Mirrors
39
Interior Mirrors
41
Manual Rearview Mirror
41
Windows
41
Manual Windows
41
Power Windows
41
Sun Visors
43
Roof
43
Sunroof
43
Seats and Restraints
45
Head Restraints
46
Front Seats
47
Seat Adjustment
47
Reclining Seatbacks
48
Front Seat Armrest
49
Heated Front Seats
50
Rear Seats
51
Safety Belts
52
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
54
Lap-Shoulder Belt
55
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
59
Safety Belt Extender
59
Safety System Check
60
Safety Belt Care
60
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
60
Airbag System
61
Where Are the Airbags?
63
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
66
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
66
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
66
Passenger Sensing System
68
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
72
Airbag System Check
73
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
73
Child Restraints
74
Older Children
74
Infants and Young Children
76
Child Restraint Systems
78
Where to Put the Restraint
80
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
81
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
87
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
87
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Passenger Seat)
89
Storage
93
Storage Compartments
93
Instrument Panel Storage
93
Glove Box
93
Luggage/Load Locations
93
Load Compartment (Hatchback)
93
Additional Storage Features
94
Cargo Cover (Hatchback)
94
Instruments and Controls
95
Controls
96
Steering Wheel Adjustment
96
Steering Wheel Controls
96
Horn
96
Windshield Wiper/Washer
97
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
98
Compass
98
Clock
98
Power Outlets
100
Cigarette Lighter
100
Ashtrays
101
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
101
Instrument Cluster
102
Speedometer
103
Odometer
103
Trip Odometer
103
Tachometer
103
Fuel Gauge
103
Safety Belt Reminders
104
Airbag Readiness Light
105
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
105
Charging System Light
106
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
106
Service Vehicle Soon Light
109
Brake System Warning Light
109
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
110
Up-Shift Light
110
Power Steering Warning Light
110
Traction Off Light
111
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
111
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
111
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
112
Tire Pressure Light
112
Engine Oil Pressure Light
113
Low Fuel Warning Light
113
Immobilizer Light
114
Reduced Engine Power Light
114
High-Beam On Light
114
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) Indicator Light
115
Front Fog Lamp Light
115
Lamps On Reminder
115
Cruise Control Light
115
Door Ajar Light
115
Information Displays
116
Driver Information Center (DIC)
116
Vehicle Messages
119
Vehicle Personalization
120
Lighting
127
Exterior Lighting
127
Exterior Lamp Controls
127
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
128
Flash-to-Pass
128
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
128
Automatic Headlamp System
129
Hazard Warning Flashers
129
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
130
Fog Lamps
130
Interior Lighting
131
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
131
Courtesy Lamps
131
Dome Lamps
131
Reading Lamps
131
Lighting Features
132
Battery Load Management
132
Battery Power Protection
132
Infotainment System
133
Introduction
133
Infotainment
133
Theft-Deterrent Feature
134
Overview (AM-FM Radio)
135
Overview (Radio with CD/USB)
137
Overview (Radio with Touchscreen)
139
Home Page (Radio with Touchscreen)
139
Operation
140
Radio
144
AM-FM Radio
144
Satellite Radio
148
Radio Reception
149
Satellite Radio Antenna
150
Multi-Band Antenna
150
Audio Players
150
CD Player
150
USB Port
152
Auxiliary Devices
156
Bluetooth Audio
157
Phone
158
Bluetooth (Overview)
158
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)
160
Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)
169
Hands-Free Phone
174
Downloadable Applications
177
Smartphone Link (Overview)
177
Smartphone Link (Pandora)
179
Smartphone Link (Stitcher)
180
Bluetooth Phone/Devices
182
Pictures and Movies (Audio System)
182
Pictures and Movies (Picture System)
187
Pictures and Movies (Movie System)
188
Trademarks and License Agreements
190
Climate Controls
193
Climate Control Systems
193
Air Vents
195
Maintenance
196
Air Intake
196
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
196
Driving and Operating
197
Driving Information
198
Distracted Driving
198
Defensive Driving
198
Drunk Driving
199
Control of a Vehicle
199
Braking
199
Steering
199
Off-Road Recovery
200
Loss of Control
200
Driving on Wet Roads
201
Highway Hypnosis
202
Hill and Mountain Roads
202
Winter Driving
203
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
204
Vehicle Load Limits
205
Starting and Operating
209
New Vehicle Break-In
209
Ignition Positions
210
Starting the Engine
212
Engine Heater
213
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
214
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
214
Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission)
215
Parking
216
Parking over Things That Burn
216
Engine Exhaust
216
Running the Vehicle While Parked
217
Automatic Transmission
217
Manual Mode
219
Manual Transmission
220
Brakes
221
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
221
Parking Brake
222
Brake Assist
223
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
223
Ride Control Systems
224
Traction Control System (TCS)
224
StabiliTrak® System
225
Cruise Control
227
Fuel
229
Recommended Fuel
229
Gasoline Specifications
230
California Fuel Requirements
230
Fuels in Foreign Countries
230
Fuel Additives
231
Filling the Tank
232
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
233
Towing
233
General Towing Information
233
Conversions and Add-Ons
234
Add-On Electrical Equipment
234
Vehicle Care
235
General Information
236
California Proposition 65 Warning
236
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
237
Accessories and Modifications
237
Vehicle Checks
237
Doing Your Own Service Work
237
Hood
238
Engine Compartment Overview
240
Engine Oil
243
Engine Oil Life System
245
Automatic Transmission Fluid
247
Manual Transmission Fluid
247
Hydraulic Clutch
247
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
247
Cooling System
249
Engine Coolant
250
Engine Overheating
253
Washer Fluid
254
Brakes
255
Brake Fluid
256
Battery
257
Starter Switch Check
258
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
259
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
259
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
259
Wiper Blade Replacement
260
Headlamp Aiming
261
Bulb Replacement
261
Halogen Bulbs
261
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal and Parking Lamps
262
Fog Lamps (LS, LT, and LTZ)
263
Fog Lamps (RS)
263
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps
264
License Plate Lamp
265
Replacement Bulbs
265
Electrical System
266
Electrical System Overload
266
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
266
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
267
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
271
Wheels and Tires
273
Tires
273
All-Season Tires
274
Winter Tires
275
Summer Tires
275
Tire Sidewall Labeling
275
Tire Designations
277
Tire Terminology and Definitions
278
Tire Pressure
281
Tire Pressure Monitor System
282
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
283
Tire Inspection
286
Tire Rotation
286
When It Is Time for New Tires
287
Buying New Tires
288
Different Size Tires and Wheels
290
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
290
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
292
Wheel Replacement
292
Tire Chains
293
If a Tire Goes Flat
293
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
295
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
302
Tire Changing
302
Compact Spare Tire
307
Jump Starting
308
Towing
311
Towing the Vehicle
311
Recreational Vehicle Towing
311
Appearance Care
314
Exterior Care
314
Interior Care
317
Floor Mats
320
Service and Maintenance
323
General Information
323
Maintenance Schedule
324
Special Application Services
330
Additional Maintenance and Care
331
Recommended Fluids
334
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
334
Maintenance Replacement Parts
336
Maintenance Records
337
Technical Data
341
Vehicle Identification
341
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
341
Service Parts Identification Label
341
Vehicle Data
342
Capacities and Specifications
342
Engine Drive Belt Routing
343
Customer Information
345
Customer Information
345
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
345
Customer Assistance Offices
347
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
348
Online Owner Center
348
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
349
Roadside Assistance Program
349
Scheduling Service Appointments
351
Courtesy Transportation Program
351
Collision Damage Repair
353
Service Publications Ordering Information
355
Reporting Safety Defects
356
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
356
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
357
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
357
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
357
Event Data Recorders
358
OnStar®
358
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
359
Radio Frequency Statement
359
OnStar
361
OnStar Overview
361
OnStar Services
362
Emergency
362
Security
362
Navigation
362
Connections
363
Diagnostics
365
OnStar Additional Information
365
Index
371
Index_A
371
Index_B
372
Index_C
372
Index_D
373
Index_E
374
Index_F
374
Index_G
375
Index_H
375
Index_I
375
Index_J
375
Index_K
376
Index_L
376
Index_M
377
Index_N
377
Index_O
377
Index_P
377
Index_R
378
Index_S
379
Index_T
380
Index_U
381
Index_V
381
Index_W
381

2013 Chevrolet Sonic Overview

Introduction

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic stands out as a versatile subcompact car, blending practicality with a spirited driving experience. With its bold, aerodynamic design, the Sonic offers a fresh take on the small car segment, appealing to those who seek efficiency without sacrificing style. Ideal for both urban commuters and road-trippers alike, this model showcases a spirited performance and an impressive array of features, making it a noteworthy contender in its class.

Powertrains

The 2013 Sonic is available with two energetic powertrain options. The standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and is paired with a five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking a bit more thrill, the sporty 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 138 horsepower but with enhanced torque, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. This engine comes standard with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic, catering to varied driving preferences.

Trims

This dynamic model comes in several trims: the base LS, the well-equipped LT, the sporty LTZ, and the performance-oriented RS. Each trim offers a distinctive blend of features and options, allowing buyers to choose a Sonic that best matches their lifestyle and budget. The higher trims, such as LTZ and RS, emphasize sportiness and additional comfort features, making them ideal for those who desire a bit more from their driving experience.

Features

The 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is packed with an impressive array of standard and available features. Depending on the trim, buyers can enjoy amenities such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, premium audio, and even a rearview camera. Safety features are also prominent, with options for traction control, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags, ensuring peace of mind on the road.

Owner's Manual

The owner's manual for the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic is an essential resource for new and existing owners. It provides comprehensive information on vehicle maintenance, specifications, troubleshooting tips, and understanding various features. With clearly illustrated diagrams and step-by-step instructions, the manual ensures that owners are well-equipped to get the most out of their Sonic, addressing everything from routine care to advanced functionality.

User manual download

The Chevrolet Sonic owner manual for the 2013 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2013 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.

Posted by, John Mana author bio image
A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.

Manual Questions

Do you have questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic owners manual?
Fill the form below and someone will help you!