brake CHEVROLET SPARK 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
138 Driving and Operating
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch
pedal down to the floor, press the brake
pedal and start the engine.
Key Access1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to START. When
the engine starts, let go of the key. The
idle speed will go down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Allow the
oil to warm up and lubricate all moving
parts.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Push
the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and hold it there as you hold the
key in START for a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then stops
again, repeat the procedure. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do
not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Keyless Access 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in the vehicle. For
vehicles with an automatic transmission,
press the brake pedal, then press ENGINE
START/STOP on the instrument panel.
For vehicles with a manual transmission,
press the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal first, then press ENGINE
START/STOP.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if the
RKE battery is low, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message will display. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
083 and
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) 09or
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) 011.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there as you
press ENGINE START/STOP, for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and the accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
140 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
or extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire, property
damage, electric shock, and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with the
heater cord permanently attached to
the vehicle. Possible heater cord and
thermostat damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the heater
cord touch vehicle parts or sharp
edges. Never close the hood on the
heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle, unplug the
cord, reattach the cover to the plug,
and securely fasten the cord. Keep the
cord away from any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving
engine parts.
The length of time the heater should remain
plugged in depends on several factors. Ask a
dealer in the area where you will be parking
the vehicle for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the ignition is
in RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Parking Brake0146.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the button on the shift lever
and pushing the lever all the way
toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off. For key access vehicles, push the ignition key in, toward
the steering column and then turn the
ignition off. 4. Remove the key and take it with you.
If you can leave the vehicle with the
ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is
in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0140.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 141
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, be sure the vehicle is in
P (Park) and the parking brake is firmly set
before you leave it. After you have moved
the shift lever into P (Park), hold the brake
pedal down. Then see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without first
pressing the button on the shift lever. If you
can, it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not
shift the transmission into P (Park) properly,
the weight of the vehicle may put too much
force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may find it difficult to pull
the shift lever out of P (Park). This is called
“torque lock.”To prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To
find out how, see “Shifting Into Park”
previously in this section.
When you are ready to drive, move the
shift lever out of P (Park) before you release
the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to
have another vehicle push yours a little
uphill to take some of the pressure from the
parking pawl in the transmission, so you can
pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with a shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is
designed to:
.Prevent ignition key removal unless the
shift lever is in P (Park) with the shift
lever button fully released.
.Prevent movement of the shift lever out
of P (Park) unless the ignition is on and
the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting
- North America 0211.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Start the vehicle.
3. Press the shift lever button. 4. Move the shift lever to the desired
position.
If still unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. Hold the brake pedal down and press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If the shift lever still cannot be moved from
P (Park), have the vehicle serviced soon.
The doors may lock when shifting from
P (Park). See Automatic Door Locks 015.
Parking (Manual Transmission)
{Warning
If the vehicle has a manual transmission,
never get out of the vehicle without first
moving the shift lever into 1st or
R (Reverse), setting the parking brake and
turning the ignition off. The vehicle can
roll, which could cause serious injury or
death.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Driving and Operating 143
Engine Exhaust0142. If the vehicle has a
manual transmission, see Parking (Manual
Transmission) 0141.
Automatic Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
The CVT is electronically controlled to
produce maximum power and smooth
operation. A display in the instrument
cluster indicates the selected range.
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park)
with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move
the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0140.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has a
shift lock release control. The brake pedal
must be fully applied, and the shift lever
button must be pressed before shifting from
P (Park) while the ignition is on. If the
transmission will not shift out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into P (Park) while
maintaining brake application. Then move
the shift lever into another gear. See
Shifting out of Park 0141.
R : Use this gear to back up.
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.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get
out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging
the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck
0 130.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.

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.