Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Automatic Transmission
P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.
Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission).
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has a shift lock control. You must fully apply the brake pedal then press the shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park (Automatic Transmission).
R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
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.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck.
N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If you need more power for passing, and you are:
- Going less than 56 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
- Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.
M(Manual Mode): This position, allows you to change gears similar to a manual transmission. If the vehicle has this feature, see “Manual Mode” following.
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 ...
Other materials:
Fog Lamps
For vehicles with front fog lamps, the button is on the outboard side of the
instrument panel.
The ignition must be on to turn on the fog lamps.
(Fog Lamps): Press to turn the
fog lamps on or off. An indicator light on the instrument cluster comes on when
the fog lamps are on.
The fog la ...
Front Seat Belt Anchor Plate Tensioner Replacement
Front Seat Belt Anchor Plate Tensioner Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Warning: Refer to SIR Warning.
Warning: In order to prevent accidental deployment and the
risk of personal injury, do not dispose of a ...
Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement
Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedure
Using a small flat-bladed tool, release the locking tabs and lift the
end of the wiper arm nut cover in order to access and remove the rear wipe ...
0.0051