Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: 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 (Park): This position locks the front wheels. Select P (Park) only when the vehicle is stationary and the parking brake is applied.

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.

See Shifting Into Park on page 9-18.

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine.

The vehicle has a shift lock control.

The brake pedal must be fully applied, and the shift lever button pressed before shifting from P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. 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 on page 9-19.

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Select R (Reverse) only when the vehicle is stationary.

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 on page 9-8.

N (Neutral): 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. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.

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.

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.

D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. For faster acceleration, press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there. The transmission shifts to a lower gear ratio depending on engine speed.

L (Low): 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.