2022 CHEVROLET SPARK Owners Manual

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
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
148 Driving and Operating
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC is on
the lower instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged. To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate DIC
message displays.
To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off. The
appropriate DIC message displays.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate DIC message displays.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off. The appropriate
DIC message displays.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0162.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 149
Cruise Control
If the vehicle is equipped with cruise control,
a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
can be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If the vehicle's Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system begins to limit wheel spin
while using cruise control, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0147. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0154. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, the cruise control can be
turned back on. Cruise control will disengage
if either TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
J:
Press to turn the cruise control system
on and off. A white indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
RES/+ : If there is a set speed in memory,
move the thumbwheel up briefly to resume
to that speed or hold upward to accelerate.
If cruise control is already active, use to
increase vehicle speed. SET/−
:Move the thumbwheel down briefly
to set the speed and activate cruise control.
If cruise control is already active, use to
decrease speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, SET/- or RES/+
could get bumped and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
Joff when cruise
control is not being used.
To set cruise control:
1. Press
Jto turn the cruise system on.
2. Get to the speed desired.
3. Move the thumbwheel down to SET/- and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The cruise control indicator on the
instrument cluster turns green after cruise
control has been set to the desired speed.
See Instrument Cluster 072.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
150 Driving and Operating
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes or clutch for manual
transmissions are applied or
*is pressed,
the cruise control is disengaged without
erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle reaches about 40 km/h
(25 mph) or more, move the thumbwheel up
toward RES/+ briefly. The vehicle returns to
the previous set speed.
Increasing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Move the thumbwheel up toward RES/+
and hold it until the desired speed is
reached, then release it.
.To increase the vehicle speed in small
increments, move the thumbwheel up
toward RES/+ briefly and then release it.
For each press, the vehicle goes about
1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 083. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed. Reducing Speed While Using Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Move the thumbwheel toward SET/−
and
hold until the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in smaller
increments, move the thumbwheel
toward SET/− briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 083. The
increment value used depends on the units
displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle slows down to the
previous set cruise control speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or shortly
following the release to override cruise
control, briefly moving the thumbwheel
toward SET/- will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control works on hills
depends on the vehicle speed, load, and the
steepness of the hills. When going up steep
hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.To disengage cruise control, step lightly
on the brake pedal or clutch for manual
transmission.
.Press*on the steering wheel.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, pressJon
the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if the
Jbutton is pressed or if
the ignition is turned off.

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.