Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
Seats and Restraints 61
All vehicle airbags have the word
AIRBAG on the trim or on a label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the center of the
steering wheel for the driver and on
the instrument panel for the front
outboard passenger.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG
is on the lower part of the
instrument panel.
For seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
side of the seatback closest to
the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by seat
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
{Warning
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your seat belt, even with
airbags. Airbags are designed to
work with seat belts, not replace
them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash.
In some crashes seat belts are
the only restraint. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 063.
Wearing your seat belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the seat belts. Everyone in the
vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.
{Warning
Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink of
an eye, anyone who is up
against, or very close to, any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Seat belts help keep you
in position before and during a
crash. Always wear a seat belt,
even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle. The seat belts and
the front outboard passenger
airbags are most effective when
you are sitting well back and
upright in the seat with both feet
on the floor.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
62 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.
{Warning
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Always secure children
properly in the vehicle. To read
how, seeOlder Children 072 or
Infants and Young Children 074.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument cluster, which
shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0103.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel.
The driver knee airbag is below the
steering column. The front outboard
passenger knee airbag is below the
glove box.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
Seats and Restraints 65
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag locations, seeWhere Are
the Airbags? 062.
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by
distributing the force of the impact
more evenly over the
occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags
are designed to help contain the
head and chest of occupants in the
outboard seating positions in the
first and second rows. The rollover
capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover
events, although no system can
prevent all such ejections.
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily
because the occupant's motion is
not toward those airbags. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 063.
Airbags should never be regarded
as anything more than a supplement
to seat belts.
What Will You See after
an Airbag Inflates?
After frontal, knee, and
seat-mounted side impact airbags
inflate, they quickly deflate, so
quickly that some people may not
even realize the airbags inflated.
Roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of
the airbag module may be hot for
several minutes. For location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 062. The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
Seats and Restraints 71
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the
battery is disconnected, an airbag
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal may keep the airbag system
from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following:.
Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, or airbag wiring
. Front seats, including stitching,
seams or zippers
. Seat belts
. Steering wheel, instrument
panel, overhead console, ceiling
trim, or pillar garnish trim
. Inner door seals, including
speakers
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag modules and sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module, and
airbag wiring along with the proper
replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System
0 66.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels 0263 for additional
important information.
If the vehicle must be modified
because you have a disability and
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices 0307.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
106 Instruments and Controls
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0214.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades. If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. A loose or missing fuel cap may
cause the light to come on. See
Filling the Tank 0208. A few
driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the
light off.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See
Recommended Fuel 0207. If the light remains on, see your
dealer.Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. See
Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0210. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
Lighting 125
Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . 125
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Automatic Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . 128
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Courtesy Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lighting Features
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Battery Power Protection . . . . . 130
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lamp Controls
The exterior lamp control is on the
instrument panel to the outboard
side of the steering column.
There are four positions:
O: Turns the exterior lamps off and
deactivates the AUTO mode. Turn
to
Oagain to reactivate the
AUTO mode.
In Canada, the headlamps will
automatically reactivate when the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
126 Lighting
AUTO :If equipped, turns the
exterior lamps on and off
automatically depending on outside
lighting.
;: Turns on the parking lamps
including all lamps except the
headlamps.
5: Turns the headlamps on
together with the parking lamps and
instrument panel lights. A warning
chime sounds if the driver door is
opened when the ignition switch is
off and the headlamps are on.
#: If equipped, press to turn the
fog lamps on or off.
See Fog Lamps 0128.
When the lights are on,
;will be
lit. See Lamps On Reminder 0113.
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder
A reminder chime will sound when
the headlamps or parking lamps are
manually turned on when the
ignition is off and a door is open. To
disable the chime, turn the light off.
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
The headlamps must be on for this
feature to work.
Push the turn signal lever away
from you to turn the high beams on.
The
3light comes on in the
instrument cluster while the high
beams are on and the ignition is on.
To return to low beams, push the
lever again or pull the lever toward
you and release.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature is used to signal to the
vehicle ahead that you want
to pass.
Pull the turn signal lever toward you
until the high-beam headlamps
come on, then release the lever to
turn them off.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
DRL can make it easier for others to
see the front of your vehicle during
the day. Fully functional DRL are
required on all vehicles first sold in
Canada.
The DRL system makes the
headlamps come on when the
following conditions are met:
. The ignition is on.
. The exterior lamp control is in
the AUTO or parking lamp
position.
. The parking brake is released.
When the DRL system is on, the
taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
parking lamps, and instrument panel
lights do not come on unless the
exterior lamp control is turned to the
parking lamp or headlamp position.
The DRL system turns off when one
of the following conditions is met:
. The ignition is off.
. The parking brake is on.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12146335) -
2019 - CRC - 4/26/18
Lighting 127
.The high-beam headlamps
are on.
. The low-beam headlamps
are on.
. The flash-to-pass feature
is used.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the DRL can only be turned off
when the vehicle is parked.
The regular headlamp system
should be used when needed.
Automatic Headlamp
System
When it is dark enough outside and
the exterior lamp control is in the
automatic position, the headlamps
come on automatically. See Exterior
Lamp Controls 0125.
The vehicle has a light sensor on
top of the instrument panel. Make
sure it is not covered, or the
headlamps will be on when they are
not needed.
The system may also turn on the
headlamps when driving through a
parking garage or tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a dark
garage, the automatic headlamp
system comes on immediately. If it
is light outside when the vehicle
leaves the garage, there is a slight
delay before the automatic
headlamp system changes to the
Daytime Running Lamp (DRL).
During that delay, the instrument cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the instrument
panel brightness control is in the full
bright position. See
Instrument
Panel Illumination Control 0129.
When it is bright enough outside,
the headlamps will turn off or may
change to DRL.
The automatic headlamp system
turns off when the exterior lamp
control or the ignition is off.Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are
activated in daylight with the vehicle
on, and the exterior lamp control is
in AUTO, the headlamps, parking
lamps, and other exterior lamps
come on. The transition time for the
lamps coming on varies based on
wiper speed. When the wipers are
not operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control to
P
or;to disable this feature.