robstacles

I'm going to take a shot in the dark here and say it's the programming of the transmission control module or engine control module. Same thing was happening with mine, but I took it into the dealership for a reprogramming once they released the recall.

I had to replace my battery at the 2k mark when my car stopped starting up. I'll be sure to take it in to have them check it out.

I figured that's what would be needed. The software of this car is too screwy. I had an issue a while back where my door chime sound would play when I had my blinker on. Here is a video showing that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bblyq-u0Ybk

I have had the transmission reprogramming done, but it was working after that. It's weird; when I put it in reverse, it acts as if it's trying to access the backup cam. I don't have a backup cam.

Good evening Spark forum,

Something strange happened with my steering wheel controls for the audio. The entire right side controls for the audio/bluetooth controls have stopped working completely. Has anyone had this happen to them before?

Tim, I've been in the same predicament as you for over a year. I've hoped for a resolution but haven't got one. I can never replicate the issue myself; when I take it in, it doesn't happen. I complained to Chevy customer care and asked them about a buyback, to which said it hasn't been taken in enough for that. They eventually gave me a case number to refer to if my car got worse, even outside of the warranty. I'm hanging in there with you too.

Same exact situation here. I just have to keep hoping they acknowledge the issues with this car and perform a recall. If you take a look in the back of your owner's manual, you'll see a number to call if your issues haven't been resolved after taking it in several times. Give that a shot.

Hello Mtf,

Please let us know if the dealership finds anything with your vehicle.

My Spark still behaves erratic at times and I have never been able to find a surefire way to replicate the issue. Even if the TCM, ECM, and PCM says it's the current version, would a reset help? Do dealerships perform software reprogramming or resetting on request?

I replaced the K&N filter with a basic STP filter when I posted the pictures Saturday (5/27). My suspect was the PCV, due to recalls for other Sparks. I'm going to bring my concern up to the service department when I go in for my next oil change.

Here is a picture of the film found on the air intake hose, also there was some thick black gunk in the air filter. Is this oil or just dirt?

Hey, you're not too far from me. Visalia here. But I turned on this morning with the AC on the highest and drove all the way to work without any noticeable hesitation. That's the only thing that bugs me; one day it seems fine, the next is runs like a pile. This is what makes it so hard to prove issues when taking it to the dealership.

11 hours ago, Ajstolz said:

There was a recall that I did a while back that dealt with software. I'll have to see if that was what it was for. It's almost due for service, so I'll probably take it in some time next week after graduation. Got finals this week to deal with then graduation on Saturday.

I had that transmission reprogram done as well. I had no issue until the weather started warming up and I began running the AC.

5 hours ago, Ajstolz said:

I always drive with the air on, whether its just neutral temperature on speed 1, all the way on heat, or all the way on max AC, so it is very odd that it would start doing it now. I had my car sitting in the shade today, and it did not lag as bad as before. So it seems that when the car itself is really hot it does it. If this is a normal thing I for sure am selling the car after college. The amount of lag is frankly too dangerous to drive with. My Mustang's manual transmission with synchros going out is easier to deal with than this CVT.

I agree. This car is too dangerous, for those that are having the issues and the dealer just saying it's "normal operation".

Ditto. I drive a '14 LT with the same experience. Some forums suggest it is the compressor or the compressor belt dragging. One topic here on these forums mentioned something about an expansion valve. With it being in the 100's lately, I don't plan on going without cold air to make my car run "normal". If you're trying to replicate the problem, blast your AC on the highest setting and give it a good amount of acceleration from a stop/rolling stop. It'll happen.

On 9/9/2015 at 3:37 PM, Mtf1980 said:

Bad battery. 44k and the factory battery is shot. Go figure.

I had the exact same issue. Battery died fairly quickly. Went down to AutoZone and had one ordered.

I've been wanting to tint my windows for a while now. I'd probably go through the hassle to remove the door panels to do it, but I'd still be afraid of screwing up. It's probably just like putting on a screen protector on a phone without getting bubbles or dust under it, but a little easier since it's a wet application.

EDIT: What shade percentage did you go with on the tint?

Should I be concerned if I have a thick, black film caking up on some spots under my hood? Mainly on my air intake, just after the mass airflow sensor. It's looks like a dry oil-like dust that has built up. I'm at work but will see if I can snap a pic of it on my break. Thanks for any input.

36 minutes ago, Spark2015 said:

I know this is an older post but I have a 2015 spark already had the tranny replaced once because it went completely out now I'm having problems again and like before they are telling me it's normal. Like before when telling me it's normal for it to "hesitate" when taking off in shifting they waiting until codes popped up and they barely made it back to the dealership with my car. I'm at my wits end. I love my car not my tranny. Any advice?

Click on the link and briefly explain your issue. Ask about a buyback and they'll look into all the work they've done and if you're still having issues they'll explore your options.

https://www.gm.com/site-help/contact-us/email-us.html

9 hours ago, Retired old Gearhead said:

Did you get the CVT software recall/update done?..that may help.

I actually just got a callback from GM Customer Assistant after submitting a form asking if there was a buyback program since I still had issues with my vehicle. He told me that they performed the following recalls;

Noncompliance Recall    2017130 17130   Key Reminder Chime      04/27/2016      Closed
Customer Satisfaction Program   2020710 20710   2014-15 CHEVY SPARK TRANS PULLEY/BELT DAMAGE    01/12/2016      Closed
Product Safety Recall   A140456 14456   SECONDARY HOOD LATCH CORROSION  12/31/2014      Closed
Product Safety Recall   A140453 14453   LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT RETAINING BOLT LOOSE       07/18/2014      Closed

I don't remember any dealership telling me that they performed any recalls other than the hood latch and a software reprogram, but the software reprogram isn't even on the list.

On 3/25/2017 at 4:59 AM, Retired old Gearhead said:

Sounds more like a CVT issue to me.

"It's normal operation", get told that everytime. :\

On 12/15/2015 at 1:15 PM, sparkfanatic said:

35K miles , pedal position sensor failed . Car was put in reduced power mode ( 35 mph ) and required tow to dealer . Fixed under warranty . Part is $29 online and can be replaced in 10 minutes .

Hey, would the sensor cause the car's acceleration to be slow to respond? I've been having issues and wonder if this would fix it.

Contact your service department to see if there is a transmission reprogramming available for your vehicle. After months of taking mine in and asking, I finally got the recall for it. It did not solve all of the issues, but it definitely made it more bearable.

spark2014,

The same thing happened to me; I almost got taken out by a semi as well. Did you trade your car in? If I were to get rid of mine, I would definitely avoid Chevrolet this time as I would be too worried about another vehicle if this one had so many problems and little to no resolution.

I have a thick film of dust and oil on the air hose with the mass airflow sensor. Should I be concerned?