[Chevy Customer Service]

Hi Everyone,
We would like to introduce ourselves as the new Chevy Customer Service on Spark Talk! Yes, you read it right “we.” To better address your questions and concerns in a timely manner we will now have 2 individuals as your primary GM contact on this forum! We look forward to being members of this great community!
Sincerely,
Marlea Wilson, GM Customer Care
Crystal Robertson, GM Customer Care

 

[chrisvy]

Welcome to the forum Marlea Wilson and Crystal Robertson. Glad to have you on here!

 

[SparkFan]

Thanks a lot for joining the forum to help us out, I'm sure their will be many questions coming your way.

What sort of things would you be able to help us with?

 

[Chevy Customer Service]

Thank you for the warm welcome. Currently, we have a large variety of resources that can assist you with any questions you may have - accessories, vehicle build, Spark Owner Manual Guidance, assistance with dealerships and a host of other services and helpful information for our Spark family memebers.

Marlea Wilson, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

Welcome to the forums. This should make a good avenue for owners who have questions.

 

[Chevy Customer Service]

Thats awesome! Sure beating taking time out of our day to go to the dealer just for something that could possibly be answered by one of you guys at Chevy customer service.

That's exactly what we're aiming to do. Reaching out or finding the customer is the mission behind what we're doing. Becoming a reliable resource within the Spark Talk community to assist you.

Marlea Wilson, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[chevysub]

Would you guys mind keeping us posted with key information on the Spark as it becomes available, such as Recalls, Issues mentioned in Technical Service Bulletins, etc?

It does take some time for us to get this info from the dealership, would be better if we can find out right away through the forums.

 

[Chevy Customer Service]

We'll Keep You Posted

Would you guys mind keeping us posted with key information on the Spark as it becomes available, such as Recalls, Issues mentioned in Technical Service Bulletins, etc?

It does take some time for us to get this info from the dealership, would be better if we can find out right away through the forums.

We'll do our best to keep you informed of the informative things all you Spark owners would need to know.

Marlea Wilson, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[daystar297]

Need advice with audio system

Hi friends ... I could sure use some help and advice ... I have the Spark 1LT with the touch screen audio system ... I had an older Apple iPod Shuffle that worked with the Spark just a few times ...but now when I plug in the USB connector the screen flashes the ipod connection for a second but the system never recognizes that my iPod is connected in the Source- USB never shows up as an option in the Source .... So - I took it to the dealer who put my Shuffle into another Chevy model (he didn't have another Spark to try it out) - and it connected ...he said maybe some ipods are incompatible with the Spark system... well ... I don't like the local radio, so I just purchased a brand new iPod Shuffle- thinking that it was just my old model or old usb wire .... Unfortunately the same thing happens ...when I plug in my new USB connected with the iPod the screen blinks for a second as if it's trying to start it- but the USB never becomes an option in the Audio Source menu ... I'm frustrated- it's an Apple iPod ...the USB works perfectly on my computer and with the headphones .... It's brand new with the current iTunes software ... Please give me some advice before I run back to the dealer and get the same answer ... thanks and best wishes ...
David

 

[SparkFan]

Hi friends ... I could sure use some help and advice ... I have the Spark 1LT with the touch screen audio system ... I had an older Apple iPod Shuffle that worked with the Spark just a few times ...but now when I plug in the USB connector the screen flashes the ipod connection for a second but the system never recognizes that my iPod is connected in the Source- USB never shows up as an option in the Source .... So - I took it to the dealer who put my Shuffle into another Chevy model (he didn't have another Spark to try it out) - and it connected ...he said maybe some ipods are incompatible with the Spark system... well ... I don't like the local radio, so I just purchased a brand new iPod Shuffle- thinking that it was just my old model or old usb wire .... Unfortunately the same thing happens ...when I plug in my new USB connected with the iPod the screen blinks for a second as if it's trying to start it- but the USB never becomes an option in the Audio Source menu ... I'm frustrated- it's an Apple iPod ...the USB works perfectly on my computer and with the headphones .... It's brand new with the current iTunes software ... Please give me some advice before I run back to the dealer and get the same answer ... thanks and best wishes ...
David

First I would do a full restore of the iPod, maybe it's an issue with the software?

This is the easiest thing to do which is why I suggest it first.

If that doesn't help, the cars infotainment system might need a software reinstall, that will obviously take some time at the dealership.

 

[daystar297]

Thanks for that advice .... before I bought the new iPod today I did try that full restore of my older iPod hoping that was the issue .... that didn't work so I bought a new latest model iPod and loaded it full and made sure it was in sync with my latest version iTunes ... Besides my post here, I also just sent an email directly to GM customer service- maybe they'll direct me back to the dealer for that software reinstall ... but it's a new car and a new Apple iPod- even though the Shuffle is the simplest model, it's still an iPod and a usb device- so it's illogical it shouldn't be compatible ...

 

[chevysub]

Thanks for that advice .... before I bought the new iPod today I did try that full restore of my older iPod hoping that was the issue .... that didn't work so I bought a new latest model iPod and loaded it full and made sure it was in sync with my latest version iTunes ... Besides my post here, I also just sent an email directly to GM customer service- maybe they'll direct me back to the dealer for that software reinstall ... but it's a new car and a new Apple iPod- even though the Shuffle is the simplest model, it's still an iPod and a usb device- so it's illogical it shouldn't be compatible ...

I'd like to hear what GM customer service has to say, but my guess is just as good as yours, that they will just tell you to go to the dealer so the software can be reinstalled.

Thats not to say GM Customer Service is useless but that's really all that can be done at this point in my opinion.

 

[daystar297]

Well I got some frustrating news today .... I contacted GM Customer Service and they directed me to the new GM Infotainment Department that specializes just in the new technology .... unfortunately they told me to go to the dealer - I said I'd just done that and they said that it appears then that my Apple iPod Shuffle is not compatible with the Spark My Link audio ... that I'd have to upgrade at least to a Nano to be able to listen to my own music ... and that they didn't foresee any software update to address my issue .... To me it doesn't make any sense ... it's an Apple iPod USB device ... not sure why they didn't make it compatible to begin with ... I don't like my local FM radio options ...there's no CD player in the car ... I don't use a smart phone ... so for me the My Link audio system is kinda useless unless I spend another $150 get another iPod after I just spent $49 for the new Shuffle this week ... Does this suck or does it suck?

 

[daystar297]

Can you connect an iPod Nano with My Link in the Spark 1LT

I've been frustrated with my iPod Shuffle not being able to work and connect in my Spark's My Link ... before I run out spending another $150 and purchase a 7th Generation Nano - does anyone here know for sure that the Nano will work with My Link ...thanks ...

 

[Chevy Customer Service]

The New Infotainment Dept

Well I got some frustrating news today .... I contacted GM Customer Service and they directed me to the new GM Infotainment Department that specializes just in the new technology .... unfortunately they told me to go to the dealer - I said I'd just done that and they said that it appears then that my Apple iPod Shuffle is not compatible with the Spark My Link audio ... that I'd have to upgrade at least to a Nano to be able to listen to my own music ... and that they didn't foresee any software update to address my issue .... To me it doesn't make any sense ... it's an Apple iPod USB device ... not sure why they didn't make it compatible to begin with ... I don't like my local FM radio options ...there's no CD player in the car ... I don't use a smart phone ... so for me the My Link audio system is kinda useless unless I spend another $150 get another iPod after I just spent $49 for the new Shuffle this week ... Does this suck or does it suck?

I know how important music is to people inside their cars. So, I can understand your frustration with not having your iPod pair with the radio. This is true, GM has designated an entire department to assisting customers with their MyLink audio systems. I did research to see if you had any other options for getting your music from the Shuffle to your vehicles radio. Unfortunately, I didn't find any other resolve.

 

[daystar297]

Thanks for the response ... do you know if the Nano 7th generation iPod will work with the Spark 1LT .... it has a "lightening connector" that connects with the ipod and a usb to connect with the car... If you could answer the question about a new Nano's compatibility with the Spark's My Link I'd be grateful ....

 

[daystar297]

Hey friends ... I have no idea if anyone reads these threads- but I found the solution to my problem ... and hopefully the next person with this issue won't go thru the stress and frustration that I did ... I finally spoke to someone in the new GM Infotainment division ... she did inform me that it is in the Spark's manual that not all ipods or usb devices are compatible with the Spark 1LT My Link audio system .... and the manual does in fact list several devices that are compatible .... after speaking with the rep and looking very carefully at the manual- before I went to Amazon and threw more money for another iPod ... I realized that a simple USB flash drive would work .... so ... I went to Staples .... bought an $8 Sandisk 8Gig flash drive .... converted all my library to MP3 files instead of the iTune default file .... and ... now for that $8 I have my entire iTunes library on that flash drive that connects immediately to the Spark My Link .... If you've followed my thread from the beginning you can imagine my frustration and money I wasted .... If someone - from the dealer to the salesman to the GM customer service reps had just mentioned the flash drive option from the beginning .... oh well .... live and learn .... and I'm happy now to be able to listen to my own music in the Spark .... hope that helps .... best wishes...
David

 

[Chevy Customer Service]

Hey friends ... I have no idea if anyone reads these threads- but I found the solution to my problem ... and hopefully the next person with this issue won't go thru the stress and frustration that I did ... I finally spoke to someone in the new GM Infotainment division ... she did inform me that it is in the Spark's manual that not all ipods or usb devices are compatible with the Spark 1LT My Link audio system .... and the manual does in fact list several devices that are compatible .... after speaking with the rep and looking very carefully at the manual- before I went to Amazon and threw more money for another iPod ... I realized that a simple USB flash drive would work .... so ... I went to Staples .... bought an $8 Sandisk 8Gig flash drive .... converted all my library to MP3 files instead of the iTune default file .... and ... now for that $8 I have my entire iTunes library on that flash drive that connects immediately to the Spark My Link .... If you've followed my thread from the beginning you can imagine my frustration and money I wasted .... If someone - from the dealer to the salesman to the GM customer service reps had just mentioned the flash drive option from the beginning .... oh well .... live and learn .... and I'm happy now to be able to listen to my own music in the Spark .... hope that helps .... best wishes...
David

Congratulations!!! I totally didn't even think to download the music to a USB. That's technology for you. I got so focused on finding the iPod compatibility for your Spark, alternative methods escaped my resolution suggestions. However, I'm happy you don't have to ride without your favorite tunes. Glad to see that the reps inside the Infotainment Dept were able to help you. Happy driving & riding. Marlea Wilson, Chevrolet Customer Service

 

[redbluff]

Mudflaps

Any idea why we cannot get mudflaps here? They have them in Japan and the UK but nothing in the US.

 

[chevysub]

Any idea why we cannot get mudflaps here? They have them in Japan and the UK but nothing in the US.

Do they come with the Chevy sparks in Japan an UK or just as an option?

You can try getting universal mud flaps for your chevy spark. they usually have no drilled holes, which allow you to drill and align your own.