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:
Air Conditioning Compressor and Condenser Hose Replacement (LUV)
Removal Procedure
Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
Remove the drivetrain and front suspension frame skid plate if equipped.
Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Skid Plate Replacement.
Remove the front fascia assembly. Re ...
Drive Range - Fourth Gear (Gen 1)
As vehicle speed increases, the transmission control module (TCM) processes input
signals from the automatic transmission input and output speed sensors, the throttle
position sensor and other vehicle sensors to determine the precise moment to command
OFF the normally-high 35R pressure control ...
Automatic Transmission Flex Plate Removal
Special Tools
EN-652 Automatic Transmission Flex Plate Holder
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Install the EN-652 holder (1) to hold the automatic
transmission flex plate (2).
Loosen the 6 automatic transmission flex plate bolts.
Re ...
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