Hardwareman

Let's drive them thru the Dealership showroom window. Hold me beer and watch this... Hey look mom no hands....

Engine Break in - Here's an interesting article. http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/saturday-mechanic-blog/how-to-break-in-a-new-car I asked the Service Manager at my Dealership. He told me to follow the owners manual instructions. Also, he recommended first oil change at 1000 miles. I plan to have the future changes done by the dealership. I want a good maintenance record on the books in case there's anymore problems.

Update: GM replaced my engine assembly with no hassle. My dealership was great and treated me very well. See my other post for details.

Update: My Engine assembly was replaced. This is a complete assembly including the intake manifold and fuel system. There was no hassle from the Dealership or GM. I was given a car to drive and got my car back in three working days. The compression test showed a loss of compression from 40%-60% across the cylinders. The production date of my Spark is 9/2012. If this engine holds up thru the 100k mile warranty I will be a very happy customer. Also, in the future I will only have the dealership change the oil and they will monitor the engine wear. Side note: The dealership was instructed to sh

I think there is a glitch in the VVT system. The cylinder piston is coming in contact with the intake valves. I had a loud clunk noise when starting,Heavy metallic sound, after that the car started to comsume oil. (1 qt every 150 miles @ highway speeds) Dealership told me the complete enigne assembly needed to be replaced. Waiting for an engine. I would insist on having a compression test done on all cylinders to confirm there are no cracked intake valves. My misfire code was on cylinder #3. I don't believe the PCV valve story, All spark plugs would be fouled.

Hardwareman Year :2013 Model LS Transmission:Man Build date: 9/12 Problem: Yes - Had complete A/C compressor failure @ 8600 miles on the first day of summer. Dealership replaced after waiting six weeks for new compressor. Now the car does not cool if the temperature is above 85 F. Dealer states A/C is working as engineered. GM is a freaking joke. Someone please start a class action lawsuit against GM.

I have the same problem with my Spark 2013 5M with 20K miles. Notice to all Spark owners: You need to file complaint my your State agency and the NHTSA. You can find all the info at http://www.carcomplaints.com/resources/advocacy/ We need to stick together and make GM pay for screwing us with a faulty engine and A/C units. My Dealership told me they need to replace the complete engine assembly. Last summer it could 8 weeks to fix my a/c. I got the car back the day after the end of the heat wave.

FYI - My Spark LS 5M has 20K miles and went in to the Dealership with the problem described above. I was burning about a quart of oil every 125 miles @ 65 MPH. They are ordering me a new Engine assembly. Also, on my second A/C compressor. Out of my 11 months of ownership its been in for repair two months. My Dealership Service Department has been great just disappointed in GM. I will probably never buy another GM product. The Government should put a stop sale order on this GM product.

FYI - In the Chevy Spark Launch Kit, found this info online in a pdf. Spare Wheek Kit P/N 95144058 (Future Release) Includes 14" mini spare, lug wrench, jack, mounting hardware. LPO Code is VKX, LPO = Limited Production Option http://www.vehicleaccessorycenter.com/inc/files/editor/files/13Spark_LaunchKit_v9.pdf

A/C Compressor died @ 9000 miles - No replacement parts available at this time. I should have bought another Ford. <sigh> singing the Government Motors Blues!

FYI - 2013 LS Spark, 9000 miles and my A/C compressor failed. No compressors avaiable at this time. It's the middle of summer here and no A/C. I'm not very happy with GM. I smell a class action lawsuit coming.