Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an electronic stability control system. These systems help limit wheel slip and assist the driver in maintaining control, especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the drive wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, TCS applies the brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle senses a difference between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and traction control or StabiliTrak begins to limit wheel spin, cruise control will disengage. Cruise control may be turned back on when road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when the vehicle is started and begins to move. The systems may be heard or felt while they are operating or while performing diagnostic checks. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck and “Turning the Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the instrument cluster. This light will:
- Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
- Flash when StabiliTrak is activated.
- Turn on and stay on when either system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and 
comes
on and stays on to indicate that the system is inactive and is not assisting the
driver in maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to drive, but driving should
be adjusted accordingly.
If comes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If comes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need more time to diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control ...
Turning the Systems Off and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak is on the center console.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, ...
Other materials:
Pairing without Touchscreen
A Bluetooth-enabled cell phone must be paired to the Bluetooth system and then
connected to the vehicle before it can be used. See your cell phone manufacturer's
user guide for Bluetooth functions before pairing the cell phone. If a Bluetooth
phone is not connected, calls will be made usin ...
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat
or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
Shift to a lower gear whe ...
Liftgate Replacement
Liftgate Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Disconnect the liftgate struts. Refer to Liftgate Strut Replacement.
Remove the body lock pillar upper trim. Refe ...
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