Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
156 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
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.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a stop to try to
avoid a potential crash.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
AEB can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See “Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization 088.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid crashes
due to unintentional lane departures. LDW
uses a camera sensor to detect the lane
markings at speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. It may provide an alert if the
vehicle is crossing a lane without using a
turn signal in that direction. LDW light will
not alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LDW
detects that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
{Warning
The LDW system does not steer the
vehicle. The LDW system may not:
.Provide enough time to avoid a crash.
.Detect lane markings under poor
weather or visibility conditions. This
can occur if the windshield or
headlamps are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice; if they are not in proper
condition; or if the sun shines directly
into the camera.
.Detect road edges.
.Detect lanes on winding or hilly roads.
If LDW only detects lane markings on one
side of the road, it will only warn you
when departing the lane on the side
where it has detected a lane marking.
Always keep your attention on the road
and maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always keep (Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 157
Warning (Continued)
the windshield, headlamps, and camera
sensors clean and in good repair. Do not
use LDW in bad weather conditions.
How the System Works
LDW utilizes camera sensor installed on the
windshield ahead of the rearview mirror to
detect lane markings. To turn LDW on and
off, press
@on the instrument panel to the
left of the steering wheel. The control
indicator will light when LDW is on. When
LDW is on,
@is green if LDW is available to
warn of a lane departure. If the vehicle
crosses a detected lane marking without
using the turn signal in that direction,
@
changes to amber and flashes.
Additionally, there will be three beeps on
the right or left, depending on the lane
departure direction. LDW will not alert if the turn signal is active
in the direction of lane departure, or if LDW
detects that you are accelerating, braking or
actively steering.
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline to keep the engine clean,
reduce engine deposits, and maintain
optimal vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
marketers and applicable countries.
Recommended Fuel
Use regular unleaded gasoline meeting
ASTM specification D4814 with a posted
octane rating of 87
—(R+M)/2 —or higher.
Do not use gasoline with a posted octane
rating of less than 87, as this may cause
engine knock and will lower fuel economy.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
(Continued)
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 159
The fuel door unlocks when the vehicle
doors are unlocked. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key Access)
0 9or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 011.
To open the fuel door, lift the fuel door
release lever. The lever is on the floor, on
the left front side of the driver seat.
Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise to
remove. When refueling, hang the fuel cap
from the hook on the fuel door. Fully insert
and latch the fill nozzle, begin fueling.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more than
three clicks of a standard fill nozzle may
cause:
.Vehicle performance issues, including
engine stalling and damage to the fuel
system.
.Fuel spills.
.Under certain conditions, fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait five seconds
after you have finished pumping before
removing the fill nozzle. Clean fuel from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care
0217. Reinstall the cap by
turning it clockwise until it clicks. Push the
fuel door closed until it latches.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do
not remove the fill nozzle. Shut off the
flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or
by notifying the station attendant. Leave
the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, get the right
type of cap from your dealer. The wrong
type of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may turn on the malfunction indicator
lamp, and could damage the fuel system
and emissions system. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 075.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
160 Driving and Operating
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container while
it is in the vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the container can ignite
the fuel vapor. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, in
a pickup bed, or on any surface other
than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with
the inside of the fill opening before
operating the nozzle. Maintain contact
until filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your vehicle.
It was not designed or intended to tow a
trailer.
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 075.
A device connected to the DLC —such as
an aftermarket fleet or driver-behavior
tracking device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored in the
vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 045 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 045.
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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
170 Vehicle Care
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
For intervals on changing and inspecting the
engine air filter, seeMaintenance Schedule
0 226.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
Do not start the engine or have the engine
running with the engine air cleaner/filter
housing open. Before removing the engine
cleaner/filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and debris.
Remove the engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly
tap and shake the engine air cleaner/filter
(away from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air cleaner/
filter for damage, and replace if damaged.
Do not clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or compressed air. To inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter:
1. Remove the two screws and lift the
cover out of the assembly.
{Warning
If part replacement is necessary, the part
must be replaced with one of the same
part number or with an equivalent part.
Use of a replacement part without the
same fit, form, and function may result
in personal injury or damage to the
vehicle.
2. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/ filter. 3. Lower the cover and secure with the two
screws.
See Maintenance Schedule 0226 for
replacement intervals.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or others
to be burned. Use caution when working
on the engine. Do not start the engine or
drive the vehicle with the air cleaner/
filter off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt can
easily get into the engine, which could
damage it. Always have the air cleaner/
filter in place when driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to
maintain the correct working temperature.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
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Vehicle Care 173
Caution
Failure to follow the specific coolant fill
procedure could cause the engine to
overheat and could cause system
damage. If coolant is not visible in the
surge tank, contact your dealer.
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressurecap when the cooling system, including
the coolant surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one-quarter of a
turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for that to
stop. This will allow any pressure still
left to be vented out the discharge hose.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the indicated
level mark. 4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap
off, start the engine and let it run until
you can feel the upper radiator hose
getting hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the
coolant surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Reinstall the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1–6.
If the coolant still is not at the proper
level when the system cools down again,
see your dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and
tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn of the
engine overheating. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light 080.
If the decision is made not to lift the hood
when this warning appears, get service help
right away. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 243.
If the decision is made to lift the hood,
make sure the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fan
is running. If the engine is overheating, the
fan should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a leak
in the engine cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant and can
damage the system and vehicle. Have
any leaks fixed right away.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 175
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators
that make a high-pitched warning sound
when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and
go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied or lightly applied. This does not
mean something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0238.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are installed
or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
as indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0165 for the
location of the reservoir.