Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Manual Transmission
The vehicle may be equipped with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission.
Caution
Shifting the vehicle initially into any gear other than 1 (First) or R (Reverse) can damage the clutch. Shift the manual transmission in the proper sequence, and time the gear shifting with the accelerator to avoid revving the engine and damaging the clutch.
1 (First): Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
You can shift into 1 (First) when going less than 32 km/h (20 mph). If you have come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 (Second): Press the clutch pedal as you let up on the accelerator pedal and shift into 2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth): Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) (if equipped) the same way as for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral: Use this position when you start or idle the engine.
R (Reverse): To back up, press down the clutch pedal, lift up the reverse lockout ring on the shift lever, and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
Shift Speeds
Warning
If you skip a gear when downshifting, you could lose control of the vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Do not shift down more than one gear at a time when downshifting.
Up-Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may have an up-shift light. This light indicates when to shift to the next higher gear for better fuel economy.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on, and if the weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and off if the accelerator position changes quickly. Ignore the light during downshifts.
Manual Mode
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) rearward to M(Manual Mode).
While driving in manual mode, the transmission will remain in the driver selected
gear. When coming to a sto ...
Brakes
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Other materials:
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle have a lap-shoulder belt.
The following instructions explain how to wear a lap-shoulder belt properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up straight. To
see how, see “Seats” in the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull ...
Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
Finish Damage Evaluation Procedure
Note:
If the wheels are chrome-plated, do not re-plate or refinish
the wheels.
If the wheels are polished aluminum, do not refinish the wheels
in the dealer environment. Utilize a refinisher that meets manufacturer
...
Electronic Park Lock Description and Operation
If the vehicle is equipped with automatic transmission and a floor mounted console
gear shift, it has an electronic park lock system (EPL). The EPL system purpose
is to prevent the ignition key from being turned to the OFF position when the transmission
is in any position other than PARK and t ...
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