Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
Driving and Operating 9-15
2 (ACC/ACCESSORY):This is the
position in which you can operate
things like the radio and the
windshield wipers when the engine
is off.
3 (ON/RUN): This position can be
used to operate the electrical
accessories and to display some
instrument cluster warning and
indicator lights. This position can
also be used for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required
for emission inspection purposes.
The switch stays in this position
when the engine is running.
If you leave the key in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position
with the engine off, the battery could
be drained. You may not be able to
start the vehicle if the battery is
allowed to drain for an extended
period of time. 4 (START):
This is the position that
starts the engine. When the engine
starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for
driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/
OFF, and the key is in the ignition.
If the ignition becomes difficult to
turn with the uplevel key, see Keys
on page 2-1.
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal to the floor
and start the engine. The vehicle
will not start if the clutch pedal is not
all the way down.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine cranks, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go
down as the engine gets warm.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. It assists in starting the
engine and protects
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
9-18 Driving and Operating
away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on
several factors. Ask a dealer in the
area where you will be parking the
vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be
used for up to 10 minutes after the
engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Power Windows
The power windows will continue to
work for up to 10 minutes or until
any door is opened. The radio will
work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is
turned from ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF,
the radio will continue to work for
10 minutes, or until the driver door is
opened or the key is removed from
the ignition.
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9-26.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle
with the ignition key in your
hand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running (Automatic
Transmission)
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 9-18.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the
parking brake is firmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the
brake pedal down. Then see if you
can move the shift lever away from
Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
Driving and Operating 9-19
P (Park) without first pushing the
button on the shift lever. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic
Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you
do not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult
to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
This is called“torque lock.”
To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into
P (Park) properly before you leave
the driver seat. To find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park” previously in this
section.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl
in the transmission, so you can pull
the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift
lock control. The shift lock control is
designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal
unless the shift lever is in
P (Park) with the shift lever
button fully released.
.Prevent movement of the shift
lever out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is in ON/RUN and the
brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting on
page 10-64. To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever to the
desired position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be
moved from P (Park), see “Shift
Lock Manual Release.”
The doors may lock when shifting
from P (Park). See Automatic Door
Locks on page 2-7.
Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
Driving and Operating 9-21
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park on page 9-18
and Engine Exhaust on page 9-20.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, see Parking on
page 9-20.
Automatic
Transmission
Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT)
The CVT is electronically controlled
to produce maximum power and
smooth operation. A display in the
instrument cluster indicates the
selected range.
Black plate (32,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
9-32 Driving and Operating
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise, briefly pressing
SET/−will result in cruise set to the
current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control will work on
hills depends on the vehicle speed,
load, and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you
might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain your
speed. When going downhill, you
might have to brake or shift to a
lower gear to keep your speed
down. If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control will disengage. Ending Cruise Control
There are five ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal
(manual and automatic
transmissions).
.Press the clutch pedal to the
floor (manual transmissions).
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.Press[.
.To turn off the cruise control,
press
I.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Iis
pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Driver Assistance
Systems
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, the RVC system can
assist the driver when backing up by
displaying a view of the area behind
the vehicle.
{Warning
The camera(s) do not display
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any
other object outside of the
cameras’ field of view, below the
bumper, or under the vehicle.
Shown distances may be different
from actual distances. Do not
drive or park the vehicle using
only these camera(s). Always
check behind and around the
(Continued)
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-10
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-12
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-17 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-23
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-24
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Headlamps, Front TurnSignal and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-28
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-38
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
Vehicle Care 10-11
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A
:% CHANGE DIC
message comes on. Change the oil
as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system may indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for
up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and, at this time, the system
must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. Always reset the
engine oil life to 100% after every oil
change. It will not reset itself. To
reset the system:
1. Display
:% on the DIC.
2. Press and hold the SET/CLR button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.
If the
:% CHANGE DIC
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact the
dealer for additional information.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3, and be sure
to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-12.
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7707489) -
2015 - CRC - 11/19/14
10-18 Vehicle Care
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
{Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not be
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic. If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let the
engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.