Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: 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 time the gear shifting with the accelerator to avoid revving the engine and damaging the clutch.
1 (First): 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 (Second): 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 (Third), 4 (Fourth), and 5 (Fifth): 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 (Reverse): 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.
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.
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.
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Brakes
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Other materials:
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating
less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32° F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting
in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads
can be treated with sal ...
California Fuel Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet California Emissions Standards, it is designed
to operate on fuels that meet California specifications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate satisf ...
Cruise Control
If equipped with cruise control:
Press to turn the cruise control
system on and off. A white indicator comes on in the instrument cluster.
RES/+: If there is a set speed in memory, press briefly to resume to that speed
or press and hold to accelerate. If cruise control is already active, u ...
