2021 CHEVROLET SPARK automatic transmission fluid

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
Vehicle Care 161
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 162
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 162
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 163
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 165
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 169
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . 178 Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 182
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 186
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 193
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 196
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 197
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 201
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 203
Wheel Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 203
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 204
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . 211
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 169
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to the dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a
special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be done at
the dealer. Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found
in the service manual. To purchase a service
manual, seePublication Ordering
Information 0247.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0234. Change the fluid and filter at the proper
intervals. See
Maintenance Schedule 0226.
Be sure to use the correct fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0234.
Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual
transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid
leak is the only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer
and have it repaired as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual transmission, it
is not necessary to regularly check brake/
clutch fluid unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir cap
has this symbol on it. The common brake/
clutch fluid reservoir is filled with DOT 4
brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0165 for
reservoir location.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir to make sure the fluid level is at
the MIN (minimum) line on the side of the
reservoir. The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
system should be closed and sealed.
Do not remove the cap to check the fluid
level or to top off the fluid level. Remove
the cap only when necessary to add the
proper fluid until the level reaches the
MIN line.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 165.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
174 Vehicle Care
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot
cooling system are under pressure.
Turning the pressure cap, even a little,
can cause them to come out at high
speed and you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the cooling system,
including the pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and pressure cap
to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed
but no steam can be seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day
.Stops after high-speed driving
.Idles for long periods in traffic
If the overheat warning is displayed with no
sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off. 2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) for
an automatic transmission or Neutral for
a manual transmission, and let the
engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes.
Keep a safe vehicle distance from the vehicle
in front. If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for proper fill and
function.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and
park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine
for three minutes while parked. If the
warning is still displayed, turn off the
engine until it cools down.Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is needed, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle in an area where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0165 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze)
in the windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield washer system
and paint.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 227
Tire Rotation and Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the
vehicle, and perform the following services.
SeeTire Rotation 0200.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0166 and
Engine Oil Life System 0168.
.Check engine coolant level. See Cooling
System 0170.
.Check windshield washer fluid level. See
Washer Fluid 0174.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0195.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 199.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0169.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior Care
0 217.
.Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots, loose
or missing parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care0217.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant leaks,
and/or damage including: tube dents or
cracks, constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
.Check restraint system components. See
Safety System Check 036.
.Visually inspect fuel system for damage
or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or damaged
parts.
.Lubricate body components. See Exterior
Care 0217.
.Check starter switch. See Starter Switch
Check 0178.
.Check automatic transmission shift lock
control function. See Automatic
Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check 0178.
.Check ignition transmission lock. See
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 0178.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See Park
Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 179.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage, high
effort, or binding. Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage. Check the
hold open ability of the strut. If the hold
open is low, service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0180.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof023.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 229
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 169.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0170.
(5) Or every ten years, whichever comes
first. Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed. (6)
If equipped with automatic transmission,
replace brake fluid every five years.
If equipped with manual transmission,
replace brake/clutch fluid every three years.
See Brake Fluid 0175.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0179.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0180.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
230 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change manual transmission fluid, if equipped.@@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake/clutch fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 231
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever comes
first. If driving in dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each oil change or more often
as needed. See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 169.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0170.
(5) Or every ten years, whichever comes
first. Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed. (6)
If equipped with automatic transmission,
replace brake fluid every five years.
If equipped with manual transmission,
replace brake/clutch fluid every three years.
See Brake Fluid 0175.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0179.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0180.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0217.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required. It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services
—their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.