Chevy Spark Code 82: Meaning, Causes & Fixes

Car owners are generally conscious of the signals or code that displays on their dashboards. The Chevy Spark Code 82 is one of these signals and it is simply a reminder that you need to change your oil soon.

For context, code 82 is a reminder that the oil life has reached the 5% or less threshold. In other words, your car’s motor oil is degrading and you must change it within a day or two.

Here is a detailed guide about everything you need to know about the Chevy Spark Code 82, its common causes, and how it can be fixed.

What Causes A Chevy Spark Code 82?

There are two major reasons why a code 82 may pop up on your Chevy’s dashboard:

1. Contaminated oil – when the existing oil is filled with residue.
2. Poor oil – motor oils with low protection against contaminants. They get clogged easily and they don’t give you a break from clearing a code 82.

How to Fix Chevy Spark Code 82?

Clearing a Chevy Spark Code 82 on your dashboard involves a series of simple procedures you can carry out yourself. 

• The first and most important step is to replace the contaminated motor oil with new oil.
• Turn on the key using the side button.
• To access the current percentage of your Chevy’s oil life, click the “menu” button repeatedly until it displays an indicator showing the oil life percentage.
• After confirming the oil life percentage, hold down the set and reset button until it reads 100% on your dashboard. You will hear a beep sound once it gets to 100%. 
• Congratulations! You have successfully cleared the reminder code. Return to the custom screen by tapping the “menu” button.

Why Is Motor Oil So Important?

The major role of motor oil is to lubricate your vehicle’s engine. In this case, it lubricates your Chevy Spark’s engine and ensures it functions properly. When lubricating, motor oil attracts debris from various internal engine components.

These residues are partially sifted by the oil filter when the oil flows through them. Over time, this filter becomes clogged and is unable to filter out debris. At this point, motor oil becomes useless and your car engine begins to wear and tear. 

Types Of Motor Oil for Chevrolet Spark 

There are 3 major types of motor oil out there for your Chevrolet Spark:

1. Mineral Engine Oils (15w40)

They are called “mineral” oil because their major raw material is refined crude oil. Mineral engine oils boast maximum viscosity and thickness which makes them great for old (oil-consuming) engines. 

These oils are natural and retain their lubricating power for a very long time. This means they have a very decent oil change interval.

2. Semi-synthetic Oils (10w40)

Semi-synthetic oils are a combination of mineral oil and synthetic oil. They have a fantastic quality-to-price ratio and cold start ability than mineral oil.

Semi-synthetic oils are recommended for polyvalent use and should be replaced after every 10,000 km.

3. Synthetic Oils (5w40)

Synthetic oils are typically produced for modern Chevrolet Spark engines. They provide optimum protection for the entire engine system and are great for city drivers or individuals with a sporty driving style.

Also, people who travel very long distances and do not want to worry about oil replacement should opt for synthetic oils.

Best Brands Of Motor Oil For Chevy Spark

Now that you know the three major types of motor oil, let’s help you with some brand names to look forward to. We have compiled a list of some of the very best for every engine and budget category.

1. Castrol GTX 15W-40

Quality mineral oil with great value for money. Like most mineral oil, you can travel about 10,000 km with this oil before thinking about replacing it. Cold starting ability is not so great, especially if you live in a cold region.

2. Mobil Super 3000 5W-40

Mobil is a major brand for synthetic motor oil. Most of their oil including the Mobil Super 3000 5W40 comes with an oil replacement kit and an extra 1 liter for verifying the oil level of your Chevrolet Spark. This oil is perfect for modern engines and is a workhorse.

3. Mobil Super 3000 FE 5W-30

If Mobil Super 3000 5W40 is a bit above your budget, you can opt for this. Synthetic oil also has great value for money and works for all sorts of pipes. It offers full-time protection for your Chevrolet Spark engine unit and turbo. Less suitable for old cars with lots of mileage.

4. Castrol Edge 5W-30

Castrol Edge 5W30 might be on the high side but it offers your Chevy Spark 100% protection against friction regardless of the weather condition. It is not very ideal for older vehicles and is rated “premium” in terms of price.

5. Castrol Magnatec 0W-30

This is another premium motor oil for Chevrolet Spark. It is made of the purest synthetic material and is designed to protect even the most challenging engine. 

Castrol Magnatec 0W30 allows for the cold start under the harshest of weather and is appropriate for big engines with start-stop functions. Not ideal for old cars.

Tips For Delaying The Quick Resurgence Of Code 82

>> Buy only quality oil because they have high protection against debris. This allows your vehicle to function at an optimal level for a very long time. When changing your Chevy Sparks motor oil, you should also consider changing the oil filter.

>> Clean your Chevy’s engine and its internal components regularly. This prevents the presence or accumulation of dirt in the engine system.

>> Check the oil-fill caps regularly to ensure dirt does not flow through them to the engine.

>> Motor oil in an open can for over one year is not safe for car engines. Dispose of such oil immediately.

>> Compare the recommendations of the car manufacturers with that of the motor oil producer. See if they are compatible before introducing them to your Chevy’s engine. 

How Frequently Should A Chevy Spark’s Oil Be Changed?

The gold standard for oil replacement is the deadline set by the motor oil manufacturer. Do not tamper with the custom mileage on the canister. 

However, if you drive a 2022 Chevrolet Spark, we encourage you to change regular oil and oil filters every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. For synthetic oil, it is advisable to replace it every 7,500 to 15,000 miles.

Conclusion

The diagnostic code 82 that pops on your Chevy’s dashboard is simply reminding you to add oil replacement to your to-do list. You must carry out this process within the next two days and make sure you change the oil filter as well.

With everything we have shared in this article, we believe you should be able to reset a code 82 pop-up. If you have any questions or you tried everything in this article and the code does not disappear, please consult an expert.