Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: 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 at least four hours before starting.
- Turn off the engine.
- Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is located in the
passenger side of the engine compartment, near the engine coolant container.
It is shipped from the factory with a tie holding it in place. Use care in removing the tie so that the cord is not damaged.
Check the heater cord for damage. If it is damaged, do not use it. See your dealer for a replacement. Inspect the cord for damage yearly.
- Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or an extension cord can damage the cord and may result in overheating and fire.
- Plug the cord into a three-prong electrical utility receptacle that is protected by a ground fault detection function. An ungrounded outlet could cause an electric shock.
- Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated extension cord
if needed.
Failure to use the recommended extension cord in good operating condition, or using a damaged heater 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.
- Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was
before to keep it away from moving engine parts.
If you do not it could be damaged.
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.
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) ...
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be used for up to 10 minutes after the engine is
turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
The power windows will continue to work for up to 10 minutes or until a ...
Other materials:
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant Surge Tank
Caution
This vehicle has a specific coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause the engine to overheat and be severely damaged.
If no problem is found, check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If coolant is visible but the coolant level is not at t ...
Dinghy Towing (with Automatic Transmission)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission should not be towed w ...
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant moving in the upper coolant hose return line when
the engine is running.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do ...
