Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal to the floor and start the engine. The vehicle will not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure
- With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START.
When the engine cranks, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine gets warm.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. It assists in starting the engine and protects components. If the ignition key is turned to START and then released when the engine begins cranking, the engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or until the engine starts. If the engine does not start and the key is held in START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds to prevent damage. To prevent gear damage, cranking is not allowed if the engine is running. Engine cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition key to ACC/ ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.
Caution
Holding the key in START for longer than 15 seconds at a time will cause the battery to be drained much sooner. And the excessive heat can damage the starter motor. Wait about 15 seconds between each try to help avoid draining the battery or damaging the starter.
- If the engine does not start, wait about 15 seconds and try again.
Wait about 15 seconds between each try.
When the engine has run about 10 seconds to warm up, the vehicle is ready to be driven. Do not run the engine at high speed when it is cold.
If the weather is below freezing (0°C or 32°F), let the engine run for a few minutes to warm up.
- If the engine still will not start, or starts but then stops, 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 hold the key in START for about three
seconds. If the vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same thing,
but this time keep the pedal down for five or six seconds.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories, you could change the way the engine operates. Any resulting damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment on page 9-39.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions.
The uplevel key must be fully extended to start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN and the regular brake
pe ...
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below -18°C (0°F). Vehicles with
an engine heater should be plugged in ...
Other materials:
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors
the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, helping
to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the
vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show ...
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control, a ...
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless
there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page
13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Tie a red cloth t ...
