Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
146 Driving and Operating
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. SeeAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 078.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull up firmly on the parking brake handle without pressing the release
button. 3. The brake system warning light will
come on, if the ignition is on. See Brake
System Warning Light 077.
To release the parking brake: 1. Hold the regular brake pedal down.
2. Pull the parking brake handle up until the release button can be pressed easily.
3. Hold the release button while lowering the brake handle all the way down.
4. The brake system warning light will turn off, if the ignition is on.
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.
Driving with the parking brake applied will
cause a warning chime to sound and a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may display. Release the parking brake or
stop the vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 147
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 125.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0130 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
176 Vehicle Care
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or Neutral with
the parking brake applied if equipped with a
manual transmission. On a level surface, the
brake fluid level should be between the
minimum and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
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 077.
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 0226.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0234.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0165 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 187
FusesUsage
2 Transmission output speed sensor
3 Rear defogger
4 Outside mirror heater 5 Sunroof
6 Continuously variable transmission control
module
7 Mass airflow sensor
8 –
9 ABS valve
10 Regulated voltage control
11 Rear vision camera
12 –
13 –
14 Engine control module/ Transmission control
module
15 Fuel injection control module/Starter motor
16 Fuel pump motor Fuses
Usage
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 Virtual key pass system sensor
25 Outside mirror motor control
26 Engine control module/ Transmission control
module battery
27 Canister vent solenoid
28 –
29 Automatic occupant sensing
30 Headlamp leveling motor Fuses
Usage
31 Horn
32 Front fog lamps
33 Left high-beam headlamp
34 Right high-beam headlamp
35 Air quality ionizer
36 Rear wiper 37 Left cornering lamp
38 Washer motor
39 Right cornering lamp
40 –
41 Virtual key pass system sensor
42 Starter 2
43 In-panel bussed electrical center
44 Automated manual transmission
45 Starter 1
46 ABS pump
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 211
Warning (Continued)
crash and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
was fully inflated when new; however, it
can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check that the
spare tire is correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The compact spare
tire is designed for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently with the
spare tire installed and it is recommended
that the vehicle speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare
tire, have the standard tire 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 0176. 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.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0162
and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 217
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. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0234.
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 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
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Index 259
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . 231
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Air Conditioning Regular Operation . . . . . . . 122
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . 122
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . 40
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . 40
What Will You See after an AirbagInflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . 39
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Airbags Adding Equipment to the Vehicle . . . . . . . 45
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Airbags (cont'd)
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . 45
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Antenna Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . 112
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 178
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Index 263
Headlamps (cont'd)High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Heated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Hood Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . 31
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 136
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . .178
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Indicator Owner Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . 48 Information
Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 97
J
Jack Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
K
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9, 11
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Lamps Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . . 96
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . 75
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . 156
Lane Departure Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . 59
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 75
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81