Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Electrical System Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit breakers to protect against an electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is too heavy, the circuit breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the current load returns to normal or the problem is fixed. This greatly reduces the chance of circuit overload and fire caused by electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and a fuse needs to be replaced, the same amperage fuse can be borrowed. Choose some feature of the vehicle that is not needed to use and replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some cases to remain off. Have the headlamp wiring checked right away if the lamps go on and off or remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to heavy snow or ice, the windshield wipers will stop until the motor cools and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected from electrical overload, overload due to heavy snow or ice may cause wiper linkage damage.
Always clear ice and heavy snow from the windshield before using the windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an electrical problem and not snow or ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are protected from short circuits by a combination
of fuses, circuit breakers, and fusible thermal links.
This greatly reduces the chance of fires caused by elect ...
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Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner manual
procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service
work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the p ...
If Steam Is Coming from the Engine Compartment
Warning
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from
it. Just turn it off and get everyone away from the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of steam or coolant before you ...
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
Warning
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety 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 safety belt systems
are working properly after a crash, have them inspected a ...