warning CHEVROLET SPARK 2018 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
52 Seats and Restraints
Rear Seats
Folding the Seatback
Either side of the seatback can be
folded down for more cargo space.
Fold a seatback only when the
vehicle is not moving.
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the seat
belts still fastened may cause
damage to the seat or the seat
belts. Always unbuckle the seat
belts and return them to their
normal stowed position before
folding a rear seat.
To fold a seatback down: 1. Slide the front seats forward and place the front seatbacks
in the upright position.
See Seat Adjustment 049 and
Reclining Seatbacks 050.
2. Remove the rear head restraints. See “Head Restraint
Removal and Reinstallation” under
Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) 078.
3. Pull up on the front edge of the rear seat cushion to release it.
Tilt the seat cushion forward
toward the front of the vehicle.
4. Pull up the release knob on thetop of the seatback.
5. Fold the seatback forwardand down.
6. Repeat Steps 1–5 for the other seatback and seat cushion,
if desired.
Raising the Seatback
{Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 53
Warning (Continued)
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.
{Warning
A seat belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. The
person wearing the belt could be
seriously injured. After raising the
rear seatback, always check to be
sure that the seat belts are
properly routed and attached, and
are not twisted.
{Warning
With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.
To return the rear seats to the
normal seating position:
1. Move the seat belt out of the way by putting the seat belts
into the belt guide on the trim. The seat belt should not cross
the seatback locking
mechanism when raising the
seatback.
2. Lift the seatback up slightly and reinstall the head restraint. See
“Head Restraint Removal and
Reinstallation” underLower
Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 078.
3. Push the seatback rearward all the way to lock it in place.
4. Push and pull the top of the seatback to be sure it is locked
into position.
5. Return the seat cushion to its original position and push
down on the front part of the
seat cushion until it latches.
6. Remove the seat belt from the belt guide on the trim.
7. Repeat Steps 1–6 for the other seatback and seat cushion,
if necessary.
If added cargo space is not needed,
the seatbacks should be kept in the
upright, locked position.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
54 Seats and Restraints
Seat Belts
This section describes how to use
seat belts properly, and some things
not to do.
{Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a
seat belt cannot be worn properly.
In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
seat belts, injuries can be much
worse than if you are wearing
seat belts. You can be seriously
injured or killed by hitting things
inside the vehicle harder or by
being ejected from the vehicle. In
addition, anyone who is not
buckled up can strike other
passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision,
passengers riding in these areas
are more likely to be seriously
injured or killed. Do not allow(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
passengers to ride in any area of
the vehicle that is not equipped
with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and
check that all passenger(s) are
restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the seat belts.
See Seat Belt Reminders 0103.
Why Seat Belts Work
When riding in a vehicle, you travel
as fast as the vehicle does. If the
vehicle stops suddenly, you keep
going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the
instrument panel, or the seat belts!
When you wear a seat belt, you and
the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because
you stop over a longer distance and,
when worn properly, your strongest
bones take the forces from the seat
belts. That is why wearing seat belts
makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About
Seat Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle
after a crash if I am wearing a
seat belt?
A: You could be—whether you are
wearing a seat belt or not. Your
chance of being conscious
during and after a crash, so you
can unbuckle and get out, is
much greater if you are belted.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 55
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, whyshould I have to wear seat
belts?
A: Airbags are supplemental
systems only. They work with
seat belts —not instead of them.
Whether or not an airbag is
provided, all occupants still have
to buckle up to get the most
protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in
all Canadian provinces, the law
requires wearing seat belts.
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly
This section is only for people of
adult size.
There are special things to know
about seat belts and children, and
there are different rules for smaller
children and infants. If a child will be
riding in the vehicle, see Older
Children 072 orInfants and Young
Children 073. Follow those rules for
everyone's protection. It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing seat belts.
There are important things to know
about wearing a seat belt properly.
.
Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front
of you.
. Always use the correct buckle
for your seating position.
. Wear the lap part of the belt low
and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs. In a crash, this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap
belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
. Wear the shoulder belt over the
shoulder and across the chest.
These parts of the body are best
able to take belt restraining
forces. The shoulder belt locks if
there is a sudden stop or crash.
{Warning
You can be seriously injured,
or even killed, by not wearing
your seat belt properly.
. Never allow the lap or
shoulder belt to become
loose or twisted.
. Never wear the shoulder
belt under both arms or
behind your back.
. Never route the lap or
shoulder belt over an
armrest.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 59
seat belt system from performing
properly. See your dealer to have it
repaired. Torn or frayed seat belts
may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact
forces. If a belt is torn or frayed,
have it replaced immediately.
Make sure the seat belt reminder
light is working. SeeSeat Belt
Reminders 0103.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See
Seat Belt Care 059.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they
might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with
mild soap and lukewarm water.
Allow the webbing to dry. Seat belts should be properly cared
for and maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept
dry and free of dust or debris. As
necessary exterior hard surfaces
and seat belt webbing may be lightly
cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust
or debris in the mechanism. If dust
or debris exists in the system please
see the dealer. Parts may need to
be replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.
Replacing Seat Belt
System Parts after a
Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt
system in the vehicle. A damaged
seat belt system may not properly
protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even
death in a crash. To help make
sure the seat belt systems are
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any
necessary replacements made as
soon as possible.
After a minor crash, replacement of
seat belts may not be necessary.
But the seat belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the seat
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the seat belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle
or while you are driving. See Airbag
Readiness Light 0103.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
60 Seats and Restraints
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following
airbags:
.A frontal airbag for the driver
. A frontal airbag for the front
outboard passenger
. A knee airbag for the driver
. A knee airbag for the front
outboard passenger
. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the driver
. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag for the front outboard
passenger
. Seat-mounted side impact
airbags for the second row
outboard passengers
. A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and the passenger seated
directly behind the driver
. A roof-rail airbag for the front
outboard passenger and the
passenger seated directly
behind the front outboard
passenger All vehicle airbags have the word
AIRBAG on the trim or on a label
near the deployment opening.
For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the center of the
steering wheel for the driver and on
the instrument panel for the front
outboard passenger.
For knee airbags, the word AIRBAG
is on the lower part of the
instrument panel.
For seat-mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG is on the
side of the seatback closest to
the door.
For roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG is on the ceiling or trim.
Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by seat
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.
Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:
{Warning
You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your seat belt, even with
airbags. Airbags are designed to
work with seat belts, not replace
them. Also, airbags are not
designed to inflate in every crash.
In some crashes seat belts are
the only restraint. See
When
Should an Airbag Inflate? 063.
Wearing your seat belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the seat belts. Everyone in the
vehicle should wear a seat belt
properly, whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 61
{Warning
Because airbags inflate with great
force and faster than the blink of
an eye, anyone who is up
against, or very close to, any
airbag when it inflates can be
seriously injured or killed. Do not
sit unnecessarily close to any
airbag, as you would be if sitting
on the edge of the seat or leaning
forward. Seat belts help keep you
in position before and during a
crash. Always wear a seat belt,
even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle. The seat belts and
the front outboard passenger
airbags are most effective when
you are sitting well back and
upright in the seat with both feet
on the floor.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.
{Warning
Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag when
it inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Always secure children
properly in the vehicle. To read
how, seeOlder Children 072 or
Infants and Young Children 073.
There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument cluster, which
shows the airbag symbol. The
system checks the airbag electrical
system for malfunctions. The light
tells you if there is an electrical
problem. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0103.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the
center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger
frontal airbag is in the passenger
side instrument panel.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
62 Seats and Restraints
The driver knee airbag is below the
steering column. The front outboard
passenger knee airbag is below the
glove box.Driver Side Shown, PassengerSide Similar
The driver and front outboard
passenger seat-mounted side
impact airbags are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.
The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
front passenger, and second row
outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.Rear Seat Driver Side Shown, Passenger Side Similar
On vehicles with second row
seat-mounted side impact airbags,
they are in the sides of the seatback
closest to the door.
{Warning
If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into
that person causing severe injury
or even death. The path of an (Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 63
Warning (Continued)
inflating airbag must be kept
clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.
Do not use seat accessories that
block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.
Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie‐down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path of an
inflating roof-rail airbag will be
blocked.
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with
airbags. SeeAirbag System 060.
Airbags are designed to inflate if the
impact exceeds the specific airbag system's deployment threshold.
Deployment thresholds are used to
predict how severe a crash is likely
to be in time for the airbags to
inflate and help restrain the
occupants. The vehicle has
electronic sensors that help the
airbag system determine the
severity of the impact. Deployment
thresholds can vary with specific
vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, in
rear impacts, or in many side
impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
advanced technology frontal
airbags. Advanced technology
frontal airbags adjust the restraint
according to either crash severity or
occupant interaction.
Knee airbags are designed to inflate
in moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal impacts. Knee airbags
are not designed to inflate during
vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348464) -
2018 - crc - 9/19/17
Seats and Restraints 65
The parts of the airbag that come
into contact with you may be warm,
but not too hot to touch. There may
be some smoke and dust coming
from the vents in the deflated
airbags. Airbag inflation does not
prevent the driver from seeing out of
the windshield or being able to steer
the vehicle, nor does it prevent
people from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there
may be dust in the air. This dust
could cause breathing problems
for people with a history of
asthma or other breathing trouble.
To avoid this, everyone in the
vehicle should get out as soon as
it is safe to do so. If you have
breathing problems but cannot
get out of the vehicle after an
airbag inflates, then get fresh air
by opening a window or a door.
If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the
fuel system after the airbags inflate.
The feature may also activate,
without airbag inflation, after an
event that exceeds a predetermined
threshold. After turning the ignition
off and then on again, the fuel
system will return to normal
operation; the doors can be locked,
the interior lamps can be turned off,
and the hazard warning flashers can
be turned off using the controls for
those features. If any of these
systems are damaged in the crash
they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate
the airbags may have also
damaged important functions in
the vehicle, such as the fuel
system, brake and steering
systems, etc. Even if the vehicle
appears to be drivable after a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could
make it difficult to safely operate
the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
. Airbags are designed to inflate
only once. After an airbag
inflates, you will need some new
parts for the airbag system.
If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there
to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly
other parts. The service manual
for the vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.