2014 Chevrolet Sonic Owners Manual

recline the vehicle seatback and adjust the seat cushion, if adjustable, to make sure that the vehicle seatback is not pushing the child restraint into the seat cushion. Also make sure the child restraint is not trapped under the vehicle head

restraint. If this happens, adjust the head restraint. See Head Restraints on page 3-2.

6. Restart the vehicle. If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle, and check with your dealer. If the Off Indicator Is Lit for an Adult-Size Occupant

If a person of adult size is sitting in the front outboard passenger seat, but the off indicator is lit, it could be

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because that person is not sitting properly in the seat. Use the following steps to allow the system to detect that person and enable the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped): 1. Turn the vehicle off. 2. Remove any additional material from the seat, such as blankets, cushions, seat covers, seat heaters, or seat massagers.

3. Place the seatback in the fully

upright position.

4. Have the person sit upright in the seat, centered on the seat cushion, with legs comfortably extended.

5. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in this position for two to three minutes after the on indicator is lit.

{ Warning

If the front outboard passenger airbag is turned off for an adult-sized occupant, the airbag will not be able to inflate and help protect that person in a crash, resulting in an increased risk of serious injury or even death. An adult-sized occupant should not ride in the front outboard passenger seat, if the passenger airbag off indicator is lit.

Additional Factors Affecting System Operation Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and “Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information about the importance of proper restraint use.

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A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the passenger sensing system operates. We recommend that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket equipment except when approved by GM for your specific vehicle. See Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 3-28 for more information about modifications that can affect how the system operates. The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat. If this is not desired, remove the object from the seat.

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Seats and Restraints

{ Warning

{ Warning

Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat cushion and seatback may interfere with the proper operation of the passenger sensing system.

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced. There are parts of the airbag system in several places around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual have information about servicing the vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information on page 13-11.

For up to 10 seconds after the vehicle is turned off and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still inflate during improper service. You can be injured if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid yellow connectors. They are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service procedures, and make sure the person performing work for you is qualified to do so.

Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front end, or side sheet metal may keep the airbag system from working properly. The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing any parts of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and diagnostic

module, steering wheel, instrument panel, any of the airbag modules, ceiling or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring. Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the airbag sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the front outboard passenger position, which includes sensors that are part of the passenger seat. The passenger sensing system may not operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim; or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim designed for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat heater or a comfort-enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing system. This could either prevent proper

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deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s). See Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24. The vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags. See Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 10-56 for additional important information. If you have to modify your vehicle because you have a disability and have questions about whether the modifications will affect the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have questions about whether the airbag system will be affected if the vehicle is modified for any other reason, call Customer Assistance. See Customer Assistance Offices on page 13-3.

Airbag System Check The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5-11.

{ Caution

If an airbag covering is damaged, opened, or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any opened or broken airbag coverings, have the airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the location of the airbags, see Where Are the Airbags? on page 3-19. See your dealer for service.

Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash { Warning

A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have them inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If an airbag inflates, you will need to replace airbag system parts. See your dealer for service.

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Seats and Restraints

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on when you are driving, the airbag system may not work properly. Have the vehicle serviced right away. See Airbag Readiness Light on page 5-11.

Child Restraints

Older Children

Older children who have outgrown booster seats should wear the vehicle safety belts.

The manufacturer instructions that come with the booster seat state the weight and height limitations for that booster. Use a booster seat with a lap-shoulder belt until the child passes the fit test below: . Sit all the way back on the seat.

Do the knees bend at the seat edge? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

. Buckle the lap-shoulder belt.

Does the shoulder belt rest on the shoulder? If yes, continue. If no, try using the rear safety belt comfort guide. See “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3-11. If the shoulder belt still does not rest on the shoulder, then return to the booster seat.

. Does the lap belt fit low and

snug on the hips, touching the thighs? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

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. Can proper safety belt fit be

maintained for the length of the trip? If yes, continue. If no, return to the booster seat.

Q: What is the proper way to

wear safety belts?

A: An older child should wear a lap-shoulder belt and get the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide. The shoulder belt should not cross the face or neck. The lap belt should fit snugly below the hips, just touching the top of the thighs. This applies belt force to the child's pelvic bones in a crash. It should never be worn over the abdomen, which could cause severe or even fatal internal injuries in a crash.

Also see “Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides” under Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3-11.

According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in a rear seating position. In a crash, children who are not buckled up can strike other people who are buckled up, or can be thrown out of the vehicle. Older children need to use safety belts properly.

{ Warning

Never allow more than one child to wear the same safety belt. The safety belt cannot properly spread the impact forces. In a crash, they can be crushed together and seriously injured. A safety belt must be used by only one person at a time.

{ Warning

Never allow a child to wear the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind their back. A child can be seriously injured by not wearing the lap-shoulder belt properly. In a crash, the child would not be restrained by the shoulder belt. The child could move too far forward increasing the chance of head and neck injury. The child might also slide under the lap

(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)

belt. The belt force would then be applied right on the abdomen. That could cause serious or fatal injuries. The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest.

Infants and Young Children Everyone in a vehicle needs protection! This includes infants and all other children. Neither the distance traveled nor the age and size of the traveler changes the need, for everyone, to use safety restraints. In fact, the law in every state in the United States and in every Canadian province says children up to some age must be restrained while in a vehicle.

{ Warning

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle and never allow children to play with the safety belts.

Every time infants and young children ride in vehicles, they should have the protection provided by appropriate child restraints. Neither the vehicle's safety belt system nor its airbag system is designed for them. Children who are not restrained properly can strike other people, or can be thrown out of the vehicle.

{ Warning

Never hold an infant or a child while riding in a vehicle. Due to crash forces, an infant or a child will become so heavy it is not possible to hold it during a crash. For example, in a crash at only 40 km/h (25 mph), a 5.5 kg (12 lb) infant will suddenly become a 110 kg (240 lb) force on a person's arms. An infant should be secured in an appropriate restraint.

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weight, height, and age but also whether or not the restraint will be compatible with the motor vehicle in which it will be used. For most basic types of child restraints, there are many different models available. When purchasing a child restraint, be sure it is designed to be used in a motor vehicle. If it is, the restraint will have a label saying that it meets federal motor vehicle safety standards. The restraint manufacturer instructions that come with the restraint state the weight and height limitations for a particular child restraint. In addition, there are many kinds of restraints available for children with special needs.

Warning (Continued)

seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go.

{ Warning

Children who are up against, or very close to, any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or killed. Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat. Secure a rear-facing child restraint in a rear seat. It is also better to secure a forward-facing child restraint in a rear seat. If you must secure a forward-facing child restraint in the right front

(Continued)

Q: What are the different types of

add-on child restraints?

A: Add-on child restraints, which are purchased by the vehicle owner, are available in four basic types. Selection of a particular restraint should take into consideration not only the child's

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{ Warning

{ Warning

Child Restraint Systems

To reduce the risk of neck and head injury during a crash, infants need complete support. In a crash, if an infant is in a rear-facing child restraint, the crash forces can be distributed across the strongest part of an infant's body, the back and shoulders. Infants should always be secured in rear-facing child restraints.

A young child's hip bones are still so small that the vehicle's regular safety belt may not remain low on the hip bones, as it should. Instead, it may settle up around the child's abdomen. In a crash, the belt would apply force on a body area that is unprotected by any bony structure. This alone could cause serious or fatal injuries. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, young children should always be secured in appropriate child restraints.

Rear-Facing Infant Seat

A rear-facing infant seat provides restraint with the seating surface against the back of the infant. The harness system holds the infant in place and, in a crash, acts to keep the infant positioned in the restraint.

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Forward-Facing Child Seat

Booster Seats

A forward-facing child seat provides restraint for the child's body with the harness.

A booster seat is a child restraint designed to improve the fit of the vehicle's safety belt system. A booster seat can also help a child to see out the window.

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Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the Vehicle { Warning

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. Secure the child restraint properly in the vehicle using the vehicle safety belt or LATCH system, following the instructions that came with that child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

To help reduce the chance of injury, the child restraint must be secured in the vehicle. Child restraint systems must be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt, or by the LATCH system. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37.

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Seats and Restraints

Children can be endangered in a crash if the child restraint is not properly secured in the vehicle. When securing an add-on child restraint, refer to the instructions that come with the restraint which may be on the restraint itself or in a booklet, or both, and to this manual. The child restraint instructions are important, so if they are not available, obtain a replacement copy from the manufacturer. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it. In some areas of the United States and Canada, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to inspect and demonstrate how to correctly use and install child restraints. In the U.S., refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) website to locate the nearest child safety seat inspection station. For CPST availability in Canada, check with Transport Canada or the Provincial Ministry of Transportation office. Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint

{ Warning

A child can be seriously injured or killed in a crash if the child is not properly secured in the child restraint. Secure the child properly following the instructions that came with that child restraint.

Where to Put the Restraint According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position.

Whenever possible, children aged 12 and under should be secured in a rear seating position. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great if the airbag deploys.

{ Warning

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front passenger airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the front passenger airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the front passenger frontal airbag, no

(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)

system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front seat, always move the front passenger seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24 for additional information.

When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.

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Child restraints and booster seats vary considerably in size, and some may fit in certain seating positions better than others. Always make sure the child restraint is properly secured. Depending on where you place the child restraint and the size of the child restraint, you may not be able to access adjacent safety belt assemblies or LATCH anchors for additional passengers or child restraints. Adjacent seating positions should not be used if the child restraint prevents access to or interferes with the routing of the safety belt. Wherever a child restraint is installed, be sure to secure the child restraint properly. Keep in mind that an unsecured child restraint can move around in a collision or sudden stop and injure people in the vehicle. Be sure to properly secure any child restraint in the vehicle — even when no child is in it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) The LATCH system secures a child restraint during driving or in a crash. LATCH attachments on the child restraint are used to attach the child restraint to the anchors in the vehicle. The LATCH system is designed to make installation of a child restraint easier. In order to use the LATCH system in your vehicle, you need a child restraint that has LATCH attachments. LATCH-compatible rear-facing and forward-facing child seats can be properly installed using either the LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s safety belts. Do not use both the safety belts and the LATCH anchorage system to secure a rear-facing or forward-facing child seat. Booster seats use the vehicle’s safety belts to secure the child in the booster seat. If the manufacturer

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recommends that the booster seat be secured with the LATCH system, this can be done as long as the booster seat can be positioned properly and there is no interference with the proper positioning of the lap-shoulder belt on the child. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint, and also the instructions in this manual. When installing a child restraint with a top tether, you must also use either the lower anchors or the safety belts to properly secure the child restraint. A child restraint must never be installed using only the top tether and anchor. The LATCH anchorage system can be used until the combined weight of the child plus the child restraint is 29.5 kg (65 lbs). Use the safety belt alone instead of the LATCH anchorage system once the combined weight is more than 29.5 kg (65 lbs).

Top Tether Anchor

The following explains how to attach a child restraint with these attachments in the vehicle. Not all vehicle seating positions or child restraints have lower anchors and attachments or top tether anchors and attachments. Lower Anchors

A top tether (3, 4) anchors the top of the child restraint to the vehicle. A top tether anchor is built into the vehicle. The top tether attachment (2) on the child restraint connects to the top tether anchor in the vehicle in order to reduce the forward movement and rotation of the child restraint during driving or in a crash.

Lower anchors (1) are metal bars built into the vehicle. There are two lower anchors for each LATCH seating position that will accommodate a child restraint with lower attachments (2).

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The child restraint may have a single tether (3) or a dual tether (4). Either will have a single attachment (2) to secure the top tether to the anchor. Some child restraints that have a top tether are designed for use with or without the top tether being attached. Others require the top tether always to be attached. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for your child restraint.

Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations

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To assist in locating the lower anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease between the seatback and the seat cushion.

To assist in locating the top tether anchors, the top tether anchor symbol is on the cover for sedan models or near the anchors on hatchback models.

I (Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions with top tether anchors. H (Lower Anchor): Seating positions with two lower anchors.

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the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top tether must be attached. According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear seating position. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3-36 for additional information. Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the LATCH System

{ Warning

If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to anchors, the child restraint will not be able to protect the child correctly. In a crash, the child could be seriously injured or killed. Install a LATCH-type child restraint properly using the anchors, or use the vehicle safety (Continued)

Sedan

Hatchback

For sedan models, the top tether anchors are under the covers behind the rear seat on the filler panel. Pull open the cover to access the top tether anchors. Be sure to use an anchor on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed.

For hatchback models, the top tether anchors are on the back of the rear seatbacks. Remove the cargo cover before installing the top tether. The cargo cover should remain off while the top tether is in use. Be sure to use an anchor on the same side of the vehicle as the seating position where the child restraint will be placed. Do not secure a child restraint in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be attached, or if

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Warning (Continued)

belts to secure the restraint, following the instructions that came with the child restraint and the instructions in this manual.

{ Warning

Do not attach more than one child restraint to a single anchor. Attaching more than one child restraint to a single anchor could cause the anchor or attachment to come loose or even break during a crash. A child or others could be injured. To reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries during a crash, attach only one child restraint per anchor.

{ Warning

Children can be seriously injured or strangled if a shoulder belt is wrapped around their neck and the safety belt continues to tighten. Buckle any unused safety belts behind the child restraint so children cannot reach them. Pull the shoulder belt all the way out of the retractor to set the lock, if the vehicle has one, after the child restraint has been installed.

{ Caution

Do not let the LATCH attachments rub against the vehicle’s safety belts. This may damage these parts. If necessary, move buckled safety belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH attachments.

(Continued)

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Caution (Continued)

Do not fold the empty rear seat with a safety belt buckled. This could damage the safety belt or the seat. Unbuckle and return the safety belt to its stowed position, before folding the seat.

If you need to secure more than one child restraint in the rear seat, see Where to Put the Restraint on page 3-36. This system is designed to make the installation of child restraints easier. When using lower anchors, do not use the vehicle's safety belts. Instead, use the vehicle's anchors and child restraint attachments to secure the restraints. Some restraints also use another vehicle anchor to secure a top tether. 1. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments to the lower anchors. If the child restraint does not have lower

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attachments or the desired seating position does not have lower anchors, secure the child restraint with the top tether and the safety belts. Refer to your child restraint manufacturer instructions and the instructions in this manual. 1.1. Find the lower anchors for

the desired seating position.

1.2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

1.3. Attach and tighten the lower

attachments on the child restraint to the lower anchors.

If the child restraint manufacturer recommends that the top tether be attached, attach and tighten the top tether to the top tether anchor, if equipped. Refer to the child restraint instructions and the following steps: 2.1. Find the top tether anchor.

2.

2.2. Open the cover,

if equipped, to access the top tether anchors.

2.3. For hatchback models, remove the cargo cover before installing the top tether. The cargo cover should remain off while the top tether is in use.

2.4. Route and tighten the top

tether according to your child restraint instructions and the following instructions:

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you

are using a single tether, route the tether over the seatback.

If the position you are using does not have a headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, route the tether over the seatback.

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Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash { Warning

A crash can damage the LATCH system in the vehicle. A damaged LATCH system may not properly secure the child restraint, resulting in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the LATCH system is working properly after a crash, see your dealer to have the system inspected and any necessary replacements made as soon as possible.

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a single tether, raise the headrest or head restraint and route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and in between the headrest or head restraint posts.

If the position you are using has an adjustable headrest or head restraint and you are using a dual tether, raise the headrest or head restraint and route the tether under the headrest or head restraint and around the headrest or head restraint posts.

3. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the LATCH path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. There should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement for proper installation.

If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being used during a crash, new LATCH system parts may be needed. New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the LATCH system was not being used at the time of the crash.

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Seats and Restraints

Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat) When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle. If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37 for how and where to install the child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured in the vehicle using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored.

In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. If the child restraint does not have the LATCH system, you will be using the safety belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. Secure the child in the child restraint when and as the instructions say. If more than one child restraint needs to be installed in the rear seat, be sure to read Where to Put the Restraint on page 3-36. 1. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

2. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

3. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

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6.

If the child restraint has a top tether, follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of the top tether. See Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37 for more information.

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle safety belt and let it return to the stowed position. If the top tether is attached to a top tether anchor, disconnect it.

4. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

5. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.

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Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Passenger Seat) This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is a safer place to secure a forward-facing child restraint. See Where to Put the Restraint on page 3-36. In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing system which is designed to turn off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag under certain conditions. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24 and Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5-11 for more information on this, including important safety information. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front. This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.

{ Warning

A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger frontal airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the passenger frontal airbag inflates and the passenger seat is in a forward position. Even if the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger airbag(s), no system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an airbag will not inflate under some unusual circumstance, even though the airbag(s) are off.

(Continued)

Warning (Continued)

Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear seat, even if the airbag(s) are off. If you secure a forward-facing child restraint in the front outboard passenger seat, always move the seat as far back as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint in a rear seat.

If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37 for how to install your child restraint using LATCH. If a child restraint is secured using a safety belt and it uses a top tether, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) on page 3-37 for top tether anchor locations. Do not secure a child seat in a position without a top tether anchor if a national or local law requires that the top tether be anchored, or if

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Seats and Restraints

3-47

3. Pick up the latch plate, and run the lap and shoulder portions of the vehicle's safety belt through or around the restraint. The child restraint instructions will show you how.

4. Push the latch plate into the

buckle until it clicks. Position the release button on the buckle so that the safety belt could be quickly unbuckled if necessary.

Tilt the latch plate to adjust the belt if needed.

the instructions that come with the child restraint say that the top strap must be anchored. In Canada, the law requires that forward-facing child restraints have a top tether, and that the tether be attached. You will be using the lap-shoulder belt to secure the child restraint in this position. Follow the instructions that came with the child restraint. 1. Move the seat as far back as it

will go before securing the forward-facing child restraint. When the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag, the off indicator on the passenger airbag status indicator should light and stay lit when you start the vehicle. See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on page 5-11.

2. Put the child restraint on

the seat.

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Seats and Restraints

7. Before placing a child in the

child restraint, make sure it is securely held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the safety belt path and attempt to move it side to side and back and forth. When the child restraint is properly installed, there should be no more than 2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.

If the airbags are off, the off indicator in the passenger airbag status indicator will come on and stay on when the vehicle is started. If a child restraint has been installed and the off symbol is not lit, see “If the On Indicator Is Lit for a Child Restraint” under Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24. To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehicle's safety belt and let it go back all the way.

5. Pull the shoulder belt all the way

out of the retractor to set the lock. When the retractor lock is set, the belt can be tightened but not pulled out of the retractor.

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint, pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten the lap portion of the belt, and feed the shoulder belt back into the retractor. When installing a forward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful to use your knee to push down on the child restraint as you tighten the belt. Try to pull the belt out of the retractor to make sure the retractor is locked. If the retractor is not locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.

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Storage

Storage Compartments

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Storage . . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Luggage/Load Locations

Load Compartment

(Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover (Hatchback) . . . . . 4-2

Storage Compartments { Warning

Do not store heavy or sharp objects in storage compartments. In a crash, these objects may cause the cover to open and could result in injury.

Instrument Panel Storage

Storage

4-1

If equipped, the storage area has an auxiliary input jack and USB port inside.

Glove Box Lift up on the glove box lever to open it.

Lift up on the lever to open.

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To install the load compartment cover: 1. Align the front sides of the load

compartment cover into the slots on both sides at the front of the load compartment.

2. Lower the load compartment cover onto the lip around the load compartment.

4-2

Storage

Luggage/Load Locations

Load Compartment (Hatchback) The load compartment cover can be used to conceal objects under it or removed and placed on the bottom of the load compartment to carry larger loads. To remove the load compartment cover: 1. Lift up on the load compartment

cover and pull out.

2. Store the load compartment

cover on the bottom of the load compartment.

Additional Storage Features

Cargo Cover (Hatchback)

{ Warning

An unsecured cargo cover could strike people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Store the cargo cover securely or remove it from the vehicle.

The cargo cover can be used to cover items in the rear of the vehicle. To remove the cargo cover: 1. Remove both of the cords from

the hooks at the top of the liftgate.

2. Push up on the underside of the

cargo cover at both pins at the front sides of the cargo cover.

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Storage

4-3

To install the cargo cover: 1. Align the clips on the underside of the cargo cover over the pins on both sides of the cargo area and push down.

2. Reconnect both of the cords to

the hooks at the top of the liftgate.

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4-4

Storage

2 NOTES

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Instruments and Controls

5-1

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-3
Rear Window Wiper/

Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-10

Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-11
Passenger Airbag Status

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-12
Malfunction

Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Service Vehicle Soon

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Brake System Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Power Steering Warning

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16

Lane Departure Warning

(LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

Forward Collision Alert (FCA)

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
StabiliTrak® OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-18
Traction Control System

(TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light . . . . 5-18

Engine Coolant Temperature

Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-19
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . 5-20
Immobilizer Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Reduced Engine Power

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Daytime Running Lamps

(DRL) Indicator Light . . . . . . . 5-21
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Information Displays

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Vehicle Messages

Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-24
Tire Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

Trip Computer

Trip Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Vehicle Personalization

Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . 5-27

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5-2

Instruments and Controls

Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

Steering Wheel Controls

Some audio steering wheel controls could differ depending on the vehicle's options. Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering wheel. b / g (Push to Talk): For vehicles with Bluetooth or OnStar, press to interact with those systems. See

To adjust the steering wheel: 1. Pull the lever down. 2. Move the steering wheel up,

down, forward, and backward.

3. Pull the lever up to lock the

steering wheel in place.

Do not adjust the steering wheel while driving.

Bluetooth (Voice Recognition) on page 7-37 or Bluetooth (Overview) on page 7-26 or Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls) on page 7-28 or OnStar Overview on page 14-1. $ / i (Mute/End Call): Press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call. Press to silence the vehicle speakers while using the infotainment system. Press again to turn the sound on. For vehicles with OnStar or Bluetooth systems, press to reject an incoming call, or end a current call. _ SRC ^ (Source): Press to select an audio source. Use to toggle up or down to select the next or previous favorite radio station or CD/MP3 track. + x − (Volume): Press + or − to increase or decrease the volume.

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Instruments and Controls

5-3

Horn Press a on the steering wheel pad to sound the horn.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

LO: Use for slow wipes.

Hatchback Shown, Sedan Similar INT: (Intermittent Wipes): Move the lever up to INT for intermittent wipes, then turn the x INT band up for more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes. OFF: Use to turn the wipers off. 8 (Mist): For a single wipe, briefly move the wiper lever down. For several wipes, hold the wiper lever down.

Wiper Parking If the ignition is put in OFF while the wipers are on LO, HI, or INT, they will immediately stop.

Sedan

Hatchback

The windshield wiper/washer lever is on the right side of the steering column. Move the lever to one of the following positions: HI: Use for fast wipes.

If the windshield wiper lever is then moved to OFF before the driver door is opened or within 10 minutes, the wipers will restart and move to the base of the windshield. If the ignition is put in OFF while the wipers are performing wipes due to windshield washing, the wipers continue to run until they reach the base of the windshield. n L (Windshield Washer): Pull the windshield wiper lever toward you to spray windshield washer fluid and activate the wipers. The wipers will continue until the lever is released or the maximum wash time is reached. When the windshield wiper lever is released, additional wipes may occur depending on how long the windshield washer had been activated. See Washer Fluid on page 10-21 for information on filling the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

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5-4

Instruments and Controls

{ Warning

In freezing weather, do not use the washer until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your vision.

Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or thaw them. Damaged wiper blades should be replaced. See Wiper Blade Replacement on page 10-26. Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.

Rear Window Wiper/ Washer If equipped with the rear wiper/ washer, the controls are on the end of the windshield wiper lever.

windshield wiper is performing low or high speed wipes. If the rear wiper control is off, the shift lever is in R (Reverse), and the front windshield wiper is performing interval wipes, then the rear wiper automatically performs interval wipes. This feature can be changed. See Vehicle Personalization on page 5-27. The windshield washer reservoir is used for the windshield and the rear window. Check the fluid level in the reservoir if either washer is not working. See Washer Fluid on page 10-21.

Compass The vehicle may have a compass display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The compass receives its heading and other information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna, StabiliTrak, and vehicle speed information.

ON: Press the upper portion of the button for continuous rear window wipes. OFF: The rear wiper turns off when the button is returned to the middle position. INT (Intermittent Rear Wipes): Press the lower portion of the button to set a delay between wipes. m = REAR (Rear Washer): Push the windshield wiper lever forward to spray washer fluid on the rear window. The lever returns to its starting position when released.

Reverse Gear Wipes If the rear wiper control is off, the rear wiper will automatically operate continuously when the shift lever is in R (Reverse), and the front

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Avoid covering the GPS antenna, located on the roof, for long periods of time with objects that may interfere with the antenna's ability to receive a satellite signal. The compass system is designed to operate for a certain number of miles or degrees of turn before needing a signal from the GPS satellites. When the compass display shows CAL, drive the vehicle for a short distance in an open area where it can receive a GPS signal. The compass system will automatically determine when the GPS signal is restored and provide a heading again.

Clock The infotainment system controls are used to access the time and date settings through the menu system. See Operation on page 7-8
for information about how to use the menu system.

Instruments and Controls

5-5

Radio without Touchscreen To set the time and date: 1. Press CLOCK. 2. Select Time and Date Settings. 3. Select Set Time or Set Date. 4. Turn the MENU/TUNE knob to

adjust the highlighted value.

5. Press the MENU/TUNE knob to

select the next value.

6. To save the time or date and return to the Time and Date Settings menu, press the / BACK button at any time or press the MENU/TUNE knob after adjusting the minutes or year.

To set the 12/24 hour format: 1. Press CLOCK. 2. Select Time and Date Settings. 3. Highlight Set Time Format. 4. Press the MENU/TUNE knob to

select the 12 hour or 24 hour display format.

To set the month and day format: 1. Press CLOCK. 2. Select Time and Date Settings. 3. Highlight Set Date Format. 4. Press the MENU/TUNE knob to

select MM/DD/YYYY (month/ day/year), or DD/MM/YYYY (day/month/year), or YYYY/MM/ DD (year/month/day).

Radio with Touchscreen The infotainment system controls are used to access the time and date settings through the menu system. See Operation on page 7-8
for information about how to use the menu system. Setting the 12/24 Hour Format 1. Press D, and then press

settings.

2. Press time and date settings. 3. Select 12/24 HR Format. 4. Press 4.

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5-6

Instruments and Controls

Setting the Month and Day Format 1. Press D, and then press

settings.

2. Press time and date settings. 3. Press S or T to set the date display to DD/MM/YYYY (day/ month/year), MM/DD/YYYY (month/day/year), or YYYY/MM/ DD (year/month/day) display format.

4. Press 4. Setting the Time and Date 1. Press D, and then press

settings.

2. Press time and date settings,

and then set time and date. 3. Press y or z to adjust the

value.

4. Press 4.

Automatic Clock Sync 1. Press D, and then press

settings.

2. Press time and date settings,

and then automatic clock sync.

3. Select On to display the real time or Off to display the time set by the user.

4. Press 4.

Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical equipment, such as a cell phone or MP3 player. The vehicle has an accessory power outlet in front of the cupholders on the center floor console. Remove the cover to access and replace when not in use.

{ Warning

Power is always supplied to the outlets. Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in when the vehicle is not in use because the vehicle could catch fire and cause injury or death.

{ Caution

Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for an extended period of time while the vehicle is off will drain the battery. Always unplug electrical equipment when not in use and do not plug in equipment that exceeds the maximum 20 amp rating.

Certain accessory power plugs may not be compatible with the accessory power outlet and could

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Instruments and Controls

5-7

overload vehicle or adapter fuses. If a problem is experienced, see your dealer. When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow the proper installation instructions included with the equipment. See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9-42.

{ Caution

Hanging heavy equipment from the power outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The power outlets are designed for accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone charge cords.

Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury. Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.

Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

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5-8

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Cluster

United States Manual Transmission Shown, Canada Similar

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Instruments and Controls

5-9

Speedometer The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).

Odometer

The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.

Trip Odometer

The trip odometer measures the distance the vehicle has been driven since the function was last reset. Press the reset stem in the lower right of the tachometer to toggle between the odometer and the trip odometer. To reset the trip odometer to zero, press and hold the reset stem while the trip odometer is being displayed. Be careful not to reset the engine oil life monitor accidentally.

Tachometer The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. When the tank nears empty, the low fuel warning light will come on. There is still a little fuel left, but the vehicle's fuel tank should be filled soon. See Low Fuel Warning Light on page 5-20 for more information. An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates on which side of the vehicle the fuel door is located.

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5-10

Instruments and Controls

Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge: . At the service station, the gas

pump shuts off before the gauge reads full. It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the tank. The indicator moves a little when turning a corner or speeding up. The gauge goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.

When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver safety belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on. Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light There is a passenger safety belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24.

When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the warning light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.

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Instruments and Controls

5-11

Airbag Readiness Light This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners (if equipped), the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 3-17.

The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

{ Warning

If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on page 3-24 for important safety information. The instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator.

United States

Canada

When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag (if equipped).

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5-12