Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Climate Controls 119
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Maintenance
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 122
Air Conditioning Regular Operation . . . . 122
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Climate Control Systems
These climate control systems control the
heating, cooling, and ventilation for the
vehicle.
Climate Control System with Heater and AirConditioning
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Recirculation
6. Air Conditioning
Climate Control System with Heater Only
1. Temperature Control
2. Fan Control
3. Air Delivery Mode Control
4. Rear Window Defogger
5. Recirculation
Temperature Control : Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the
temperature.
A: Turn clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the fan speed. Turning
the fan control to 0 turns the fan off. The
fan must be turned on to run the air
conditioning compressor.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 129
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains
is different than driving on flat or rolling
terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good
shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a
long downhill slope can cause brake
overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a loss of
braking. Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the brakes
on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with
the ignition off is dangerous. This can
cause overheating of the brakes and loss
of steering assist. Always have the engine
running and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in
its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross
the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something could
be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs (e.g.,
falling rocks area, winding roads, long
grades, passing or no-passing zones) and
take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0147.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0146.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 243. To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
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
166 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0169.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil0166.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil0166.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0170.
5. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0175 and
Hydraulic Clutch 0169.
6. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0170.
7. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0174.
8. Battery - North America 0176.
9. Engine Compartment Fuse Block 0186.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and
long life, careful attention must be paid to
engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity
grade. See “Selecting the Right Engine
Oil” in this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly and
maintain the proper oil level. See
“Checking Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate
time. SeeEngine Oil Life System 0168.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See
“What to Do with Used Oil” in this
section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly, every
650 km (400 mi), especially prior to a long
trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0165 for
the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may be
hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or
glove to touch the dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays, check the oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the engine
oil level after the engine has been off for
at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in incorrect
readings. Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to starting.
Remove the dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the engine
must be off for at least 15 minutes if the
engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if
the engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
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) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 171
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant. This coolant
is designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0173.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature
.Protects against rust and corrosion
.Will not damage aluminum parts
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
172 Vehicle Care
Never dispose of engine coolant by putting
it in the trash, pouring it on the ground,
or into sewers, streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an authorized
service center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when
checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the
upper coolant hose return line when the
engine is running.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant inside the
coolant surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. SeeEngine
Overheating 0173.
The coolant surge tank is in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 165.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible but the coolant level is
not at the indicated level mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant. Be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts can
burn you. Coolant contains ethylene
glycol and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough.
{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.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
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.