
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Driving and Operating 189
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and it may even be noticed that
the brake pedal moves a little. This
is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning
Light 0106. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses the wheels are
slowing down. If one of the wheels
is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at
each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
190 Driving and Operating
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down and pull up on the
parking brake lever. If the ignition is
on, the brake system warning light
will come on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light 0105.
To release the parking brake, hold
the brake pedal down. Pull the
parking brake lever up until you can
press the release button. Hold the
release button in as you move the
brake lever all the way down.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
Brake Assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade sufficient enough to activate
HSA. This feature is designed to
prevent the vehicle from rolling,
either forward or rearward, during
vehicle drive off. After the driver
completely stops and holds the
vehicle in a complete standstill on a
grade, HSA will be automatically
activated. During the transition
period between when the driver
releases the brake pedal and starts
to accelerate to drive off on a grade,
HSA holds the braking pressure for
a maximum of two seconds to
ensure that there is no rolling. The
brakes will automatically release
when the accelerator pedal is
applied within the two-second
window. It will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill, or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse).

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
226 Vehicle Care
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system. Have the
brake/clutch hydraulic system
fixed. With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System
Warning Light 0105.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0281.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0290.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0212 for battery location.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
236 Vehicle Care
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block
is on the driver side of the vehicle,
near the battery.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.To access the fuses, press the tab
at the front of the cover, and lift the
cover.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Number Usage
1 Liftgate latch
2 –
3 Rear defogger
4 Exterior rearview mirror heater
5 Sunroof
6 Continuously variable
transmission
control module
7 Mass air flow sensor
8 Auxiliary heater pump
9 ABS valve
10 Regulated voltage control
11 Rear vision camera
12 –
13 –

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Vehicle Care 237
Number Usage14 Engine control module/
Transmission
control module
15 Fuel injection control module/
Starter motor
16 Fuel pump motor
17 Engine control module 1
18 Engine control module 2
19 Injector/Ignition
20 A/C system
21 Intelligent battery sensor
22 Electric steering column lock
23 Cooling fan –low
24 –
25 Exterior rearview mirror motor control Number Usage
26 Engine control module/
Transmission
control module
battery
27 Canister vent solenoid
28 Brake pedal switch
29 Automatic occupant sensing
30 Headlamp leveling motor
31 Horn
32 Front fog lamps
33 Left high-beam headlamp
34 Right high-beam headlamp
35 –
36 Rear wiper
37 Left cornering lamp
38 Washer motor Number Usage
39 Right cornering lamp
40 –
41 –
42 Starter 2
43 In-panel bussed electrical center
44 Automated manual transmission
45 Starter 1
46 ABS pump
47 Cooling fan –high
48 Front wiper motor
49 Accessory/ Retained
accessory power
RLY1 Rear defogger
RLY2 Transmission control module
RLY3 Fuel pump motor
RLY4 Starter 2
RLY5 A/C system

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Vehicle Care 265
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see
Battery - North
America 0226.
If the battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some
jumper cables to start your vehicle.
Be sure to use the following steps to
do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
Vehicle Care 271
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0290.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9956101) -
2017 - crc - 4/25/16
320 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 205
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . 158
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 218
Air Conditioning Regular Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 65
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 60
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 102
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 189 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50