CHEVROLET SPARK 2021 Owner's Manual

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.

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
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.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
176 Vehicle Care
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or Neutral with
the parking brake applied if equipped with a
manual transmission. On a level surface, the
brake fluid level should be between the
minimum and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake/clutch hydraulic
system. Have the brake/clutch hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light 077.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0226.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0234.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0165 for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 177
Warning (Continued)
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other chemicals
known to the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.
For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 0162
and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. See Jump
Starting - North America 0211 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to keep
the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Negative Battery Cable Disconnection
{Warning
Before disconnecting the negative battery
cable, turn off all features, turn the
ignition off, and remove the key,
if equipped, from the vehicle. If this is
not done, you or others could be injured,
and the vehicle could be damaged.
Caution
If the battery is disconnected with the
ignition on or the vehicle in Retained
Accessory Power (RAP), the OnStar
back-up battery will be permanently
discharged and will need to be replaced.
1. Make sure the lamps, features, and accessories are turned off.
2. Turn the ignition off and remove the key, if equipped.3. Loosen the negative battery cable nut (1).
4. Remove the negative battery cable (2)from the battery.
Negative Battery Cable Reconnection
Caution
When reconnecting the battery:
.Use the original nut from the vehicle
to secure the negative battery cable.
Do not use a different nut. If you
need a replacement nut, see your
dealer.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
178 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
.Tighten the nut with a hand tool. Do
not use an impact wrench or power
tools to tighten the nut.
The vehicle could be damaged if these
guidelines are not followed.
Caution
Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion
inhibitors on the nut that secures the
negative battery cable to the vehicle. This
could damage the vehicle.
1. Install the negative battery cable (2) to the battery.
2. Install the negative battery cable nut (1) and tighten.
3. Turn the ignition on.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be sure there
is enough room around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately
if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts in any
other position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the
vehicle moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
It should be parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move. 3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on,
but do not start the engine. Without
applying the regular brake, try to move
the shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever moves
out of P (Park), contact your dealer for
service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
If equipped with Key Access, while parked,
and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition off in each shift lever position.
.For automatic transmission vehicles, the
ignition should turn off only when the
shift lever is in P (Park).
.For manual transmission vehicles, the
ignition should turn off only when the
shift lever is in Neutral.
On all Key Access vehicles, the ignition key
should come out only when the ignition
is off.
Contact your dealer if service is required.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 179
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's holding
ability: With the engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral), slowly remove
foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by
the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the parking brake
followed by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield Wiper Blades
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected
for wear and cracking.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0235.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the windshield wiper blade: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.2. Press the release lever in the middle ofthe wiper blade where the wiper blade
attaches.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.