Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
160 Climate Controls
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . 160
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Air Conditioning Regular Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Climate Control
Systems
These climate control systems
control the heating, cooling, and
ventilation for the vehicle.
Climate Control System with
Heater and Air Conditioning
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Recirculation
6. Air Conditioning
Climate Control System with Heater Only
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Recirculation
Temperature Control : Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the
temperature.
A: Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Turning the
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Climate Controls 161
fan control to 0 turns the fan off. The
fan must be turned on to run the air
conditioning compressor.
Air Delivery Mode Control :Turn
clockwise or counterclockwise to
change the current airflow mode.
Select from the following air delivery
modes:
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
\: Air is divided between the
instrument panel and floor outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
W: This mode clears the windows
of fog or moisture. Air is directed to
the floor, windshield, and side
window outlets.
1: This mode clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side window outlets.
Do not drive the vehicle until all
windows are clear. In defrost or defog mode, excessive
air conditioning use can cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
change the air delivery mode to
Y
and reduce the fan speed.
A/C :
If equipped with air
conditioning, follow these steps to
use the system. Turn
Ato the
desired speed. The air conditioning
does not operate when the fan
control knob is in the off position.
Press A/C to turn the air
conditioning on and off. When A/C
is pressed, an indicator light comes
on to show that the air conditioning
is on.
For quick cool down on hot days:
1. Open the windows to let hot air escape.
2. Press
M.
3. Press A/C.
4. Select the coolest temperature.
5. Select the highest
Aspeed. Using these settings together for
long periods of time may cause the
air inside the vehicle to become too
dry. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has
cooled, turn the recirculation
mode off.
M:
This mode recirculates and
helps to quickly cool the air inside
the vehicle. It can be used to reduce
the entry of outside air and odors.
Press the button to turn the
recirculation mode on. An indicator
light comes on to show that the
recirculation is on. Press the button
again to return to outside air mode.
Using the recirculation mode for
extended periods may cause the
windows to fog. If this happens,
select the defrost mode.
If the air delivery mode is set to
W
or1, A/C operation and outside air
mode will be fixed to defog or
defrost as quickly as possible
regardless of indicator status.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
162 Climate Controls
Rear Window and Outside
Mirror Defogger
1:Press to turn the rear window
and outside mirror defogger on or
off. An indicator light comes on to
show that the feature is on.
The rear window defogger can be
turned off by pressing
1again or
by turning the ignition to off or to
ACC/ACCESSORY.
If equipped with heated outside
mirrors, they turn on with the rear
window defogger and help to clear
fog or frost from the surface of the
mirror. See Heated Mirrors 043.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp
object to clear the inside rear
window can damage the rear
window defogger. Repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not clear the inside
rear window with sharp objects.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel.
Move the slats to change the
direction of the airflow. The center
air vent does not close completely.
Additional air vents are located
beneath the windshield and the
driver and passenger side door
windows, and in the footwells.
These are fixed and cannot be
adjusted.
Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow,
or leaves from air inlets at the
base of the windshield that could
block the flow of air into the
vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into
the vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Climate Controls 163
.Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect
the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.Maintenance
Air Intake
The air intake at the base of the
windshield under the hood must be
kept clear to allow the flow of air
into the vehicle. Clear away any ice,
snow, or leaves.
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen,
and other airborne irritants from
outside air that is pulled into the
vehicle. The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance.
See
Maintenance Schedule 0286.
To find out what type of filter to use,
see Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0295.
1. Open the glove box completely
and loosen the bolts on the
outboard side.
2. Push in both sides of the glove box and pull to remove.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
164 Climate Controls
3. Open the filter cover byreleasing the tabs on both
sides and pulling up the cover.
4. Replace the air filter.
5. Close the air filter cover and tabs.
6. Reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Air Conditioning Regular
Operation
To ensure continuous efficient
performance, operate the air
conditioning for a few minutes once a month. The air conditioning will
not operate if the outside
temperature is too low.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
refrigerant usage could lead to
costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Refrigerant systems should only
be serviced by qualified
personnel. Always use the correct
refrigerant.
{Warning
Performing service work to the
climate control system could
cause personal injury or damage
to the vehicle. Climate control
systems are serviced by qualified
personnel only.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained
and certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should
never be repaired or replaced by
one from a salvage vehicle.
It should only be replaced by a new
evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants
should be reclaimed with proper
equipment. Venting refrigerants
directly to the atmosphere is harmful
to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite,
or other health-based concerns.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
166 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts054.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Driving and Operating 171
.The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0190.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0304. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe: .
Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0185.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Vehicle Care 259
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.