How to Jump Start a Chevrolet Sonic

1. Make sure the other vehicle has a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system, and park the two vehicles so they do not touch.
2. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) for an automatic or Neutral for a manual.
3. Turn the ignition off, and switch off all lights and accessories in both vehicles except hazard flashers if needed.
4. Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery, then to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery.
5. Connect the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of the good battery, then to the negative (–) post of the discharged battery.
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the good battery and let it idle for at least four minutes.
7. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery; if it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

• The positive jump start connection on the discharged battery is under a trim cover; open it to expose the terminal.
• Remove the cables by reversing the connection sequence exactly, then let the started vehicle idle for several minutes.
• Connecting or removing the cables in the wrong order may cause electrical shorting and damage not covered by warranty.

Source: 2020 Chevrolet Sonic owner's manual, PDF pages 262, 263. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.