Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 199
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected,
the vehicle ahead indicator will
display green. Vehicles may not be
detected on curves, highway exit
ramps, or hills, due to poor visibility;
or if a vehicle ahead is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects. FCA will not detect another
vehicle ahead until it is completely
in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning
to help avoid a crash, unless it
detects a vehicle. FCA may not
detect a vehicle ahead if the FCA
sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or ice, or if the windshield is
damaged. It may also not detect a
vehicle on winding or hilly roads,
or in conditions that can limit
visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
the red FCA display will flash on the
windshield. Also, eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from
the front. When this Collision Alert
occurs, the brake system may
prepare for driver braking to occur more rapidly which can cause a
brief, mild deceleration. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as needed.
Cruise control may be disengaged
when the Collision Alert occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will
display amber when you are
following a detected vehicle ahead
much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press
[to set the
FCA timing to Far, Medium, or Near,
or on some vehicles, Off. The first
button press shows the current
setting on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). Additional button
presses will change this setting. The
chosen setting will remain until it is
changed and will affect the timing of
both the Collision Alert and the
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
200 Driving and Operating
Tailgating Alert features. The timing
of both alerts will vary based on
vehicle speed. The faster the
vehicle speed, the farther away the
alert will occur. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting
the alert timing. The range of
selectable alert timings may not be
appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts to turning vehicles, vehicles in
other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, cleaning the
outside of the windshield in front of
the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may provide an alert if
the vehicle is crossing a lane
without using a turn signal in that
direction. LDW uses a camera
sensor to detect the lane markings
at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer
the vehicle. The LDW system
may not:. Provide enough time to
avoid a crash.
. Detect lane markings under
poor weather or visibility
conditions. This can occur if
the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by
dirt, snow, or ice; if they are
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not in proper condition; or if
the sun shines directly into
the camera.
. Detect road edges.
. Detect lanes on winding or
hilly roads.
If LDW only detects lane
markings on one side of the road,
it will only warn you when
departing the lane on the side
where it has detected a lane
marking. Always keep your
attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle
damage, injury, or death could
occur. Always keep the
windshield, headlamps, and
camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LDW in
bad weather conditions.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 203
gasoline additive recommended by
General Motors. It is available at
your dealer.
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Do not use a cell phone
while refueling.
. Do not re-enter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
. Fuel can spray out if the fuel
cap is opened too quickly.
This spray can happen if the
tank is nearly full, and is
more likely in hot weather.
Open the fuel cap slowly
and wait for any hiss noise
to stop, then unscrew the
cap all the way.
The tethered fuel cap is behind a
hinged fuel door on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
To open the fuel filler door, lift the
fuel door release lever. The lever is
on the floor, on the left front side of
the driver seat. The fuel door is
unlocked when the vehicle is
unlocked. Locking the vehicle locks
the fuel door.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
204 Driving and Operating
To remove the fuel cap, turn it
slowly counterclockwise.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a
few seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0271.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it
clockwise until it clicks. Make sure
the cap is fully installed. The
diagnostic system can determine if
the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would
allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0103.
Push the fuel door closed until it
latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0103.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
. Use approved fuel
containers.
. Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
. Place the container on the
ground.
. Place the nozzle inside the
fill opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
keep it in contact with the fill
opening until filling is
complete.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 205
Warning (Continued)
.Fill the container no more
than 95% full to allow for
expansion.
. Do not smoke, light
matches, or use lighters
while pumping fuel.
. Avoid using cell phones or
other electronic devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 103. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket
fleet or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect
vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also
access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Vehicle Care 207
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 208
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 208
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 215
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 217
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 218
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 223
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Battery - North America . . . . . . 226
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 227
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 228
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 228
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Fog Lamps (Canada Only) . . . 232
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 234
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 235
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 235 Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 242
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wheel Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 258
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
208 Vehicle Care
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 264
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
WARNING: Most motor vehicles,
including this one, as well as many
of its service parts and fluids,
contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
See
Battery - North America 0226
and Jump Starting - North
America 0265.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Vehicle Care 209
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069.Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering
Information 0305.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 069.