Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
120 Climate Controls
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
Yand 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
Mto turn the recirculation mode
on. An indicator light comes on to show
that the recirculation is on. Press
Magain
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
Wor1,
A/C operation and outside air mode will be
fixed to defog or defrost as quickly as
possible regardless of indicator status.
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 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
0 21.
Caution
Using a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window can damage
the rear window defogger. Repairs would
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
122 Climate Controls
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 Schedule0226. To find out
what type of filter to use, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0235.
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.
3. Open the filter cover by releasing thetabs 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.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Climate Controls 123
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.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 226.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 125
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
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 Belts 030.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
144 Driving and Operating
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
L : This position reduces vehicle speed
without using the brakes by using the
braking effect of engine compression. It can
help control vehicle speed going down steep
hills, on long downhill grades, or on mountain roads, along with using the brakes
off and on. This may prolong the life of the
brake linings.
In the event of a fault, the malfunction
indicator lamp illuminates. See your dealer
for repairs.
Manual Transmission
Caution
Shifting the vehicle initially into any gear
other than 1 (First) or R (Reverse) can
damage the clutch. Shift the manual
transmission in the proper sequence, and
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
time the gear shifting with the
accelerator to avoid revving the engine
and damaging the clutch.
Caution
The message MANUAL TRANSMISSION
—
RELEASE CLUTCH PEDAL displays and a
chime sounds if the manual transmission
clutch pedal is partially applied for an
extended period of time while the vehicle
is being driven. Driving with the clutch
pedal applied can reduce the life of the
clutch and/or damage it. Fully release the
clutch pedal after each gear change.
Caution
The message REDUCED PERFORMANCE —
REDUCE CLUTCH USE displays and engine
torque is momentarily limited if excessive
manual transmission clutch slip is
detected while the clutch pedal is fully
released. This could be caused by a hot
clutch. Apply less pressure on the
accelerator pedal when accelerating from
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 145
Caution (Continued)
a stop. Also, fully release the accelerator
pedal during gear changes. This will allow
the clutch to cool and should prevent
further clutch slip while the clutch pedal
is fully released. If this message displays
repeatedly, see your dealer. Repeated
clutch slip could cause permanent
damage.
1 : Press the clutch pedal and shift into
1 (First). Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
If you have come to a complete stop and it
is hard to shift into 1 (First), put the shift
lever in Neutral and let up on the clutch.
Press the clutch pedal back down. Then shift
into 1 (First).
2 : Press the clutch pedal as you let up on
the accelerator pedal and shift into
2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the clutch
pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
3, 4, and 5 : Shift into 3 (Third), 4 (Fourth),
and 5 (Fifth) the same way as for 2 (Second).
Slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you
press the accelerator pedal. To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and
press the brake pedal. Just before the
vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the
brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :
Use this position when you start
or idle the engine.
R : To back up, press down the clutch pedal
and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on the
clutch pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
Caution
Do not rest your hand on the shift lever
while driving. The pressure could cause
premature wear in the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Shift Speeds
{Warning
If you skip a gear when downshifting,
you could lose control of the vehicle. You
could injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at a time
when downshifting.
Up-Shift Light
Vehicles equipped with a manual
transmission may have an up-shift light. This
light indicates when to shift to the next
higher gear for better fuel economy.
For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly
and shift when the light comes on, and if
the weather, road, and traffic conditions
allow.
It is normal for the light to go on and off if
the accelerator position changes quickly.
Ignore the light during downshifts.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 151
Driver Assistance Systems
This vehicle may have features that work
together to help avoid crashes or reduce
crash damage while driving, backing, and
parking. Read this entire section before
using these systems.
{Warning
Do not rely on the Driver Assistance
Systems. These systems do not replace
the need for paying attention and driving
safely. You may not hear or see alerts or
warnings provided by these systems.
Failure to use proper care when driving
may result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage. SeeDefensive Driving 0125.
Under many conditions, these systems
will not:
.Detect children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
or animals.
.Detect vehicles or objects outside the
area monitored by the system.
.Work at all driving speeds.
.Warn you or provide you with enough
time to avoid a crash. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Work under poor visibility or bad
weather conditions.
.Work if the detection sensor is not
cleaned or is covered by ice, snow,
mud, or dirt.
.Work if the detection sensor is
covered up, such as with a sticker,
magnet, or metal plate.
.Work if the area surrounding the
detection sensor is damaged or not
properly repaired.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Audible Alert
Some driver assistance features alert the
driver of obstacles by beeping. To change
the volume of the warning chime, see
“Comfort and Convenience” underVehicle
Personalization 088. Cleaning
Depending on vehicle options, keep these
areas of the vehicle clean to ensure the best
driver assistance feature performance. Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages may
display when the systems are unavailable or
blocked.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
154 Driving and Operating
.Other conditions, such as vibrations from
a jackhammer or the compression of air
brakes on a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.
If the above conditions do not exist, take
the vehicle to your dealer to repair the
system.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If equipped, the FCA system may help to
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. When approaching a
vehicle ahead too quickly, FCA provides a
red flashing alert on the windshield and
rapidly beeps. FCA also lights an amber
visual alert if following another vehicle
much too closely.
FCA detects vehicles within a distance of
approximately 60 m (197 ft) and operates at
speeds above 8 km/h (5 mph).
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When approaching a
slower-moving or stopped vehicle ahead
too rapidly, or when following a vehicle (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
too closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help avoid
a crash. It also may not provide any
warning at all. FCA does not warn of
pedestrians, animals, signs, guardrails,
bridges, construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. SeeDefensive Driving
0 125.
FCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See Vehicle Personalization
0 88.
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,
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