2016 Chevy Spark flat tow

[Alberta71rt]

Hello all..new to the group.
I just bought a 2016 Spark LT (manual transmission)that is set up for flat towing and have a question. First I have done a search but can't find the answer to my specific question so looking for some help. Reading the owners manual it says that after connecting the tow vehicle to shift the car to neutral then turn ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
The steering in my Spark does not lock so what is the point of turning the key to accessory? I have found an update for 2017-18 models that have Electronic Stability Control (my Spark also has StabiliTrak) that states to just place car in neutral and then disconnect the negative battery cable, says nothing about ignition. The previous owner passed away and his wife (elderly) and family don't have any information. Does a 2016 model need something powered while being towed? Should I follow the updated procedure for a 2017 with ESC?
Thanks

[IEales]

We towed a 2013 Spark LT manual for two years. The steering wheel locked when the key is OFF and the steering wheel is ½ turn from center.

First time we towed it for about six hours the battery was dead.

What we found was that if you remove the key after shutting off the engine, then put it back in and turn it to the first click, between OFF and ACC the battery did not discharge.

In any event, I wired in a charge line from the coach to preclude discharging the battery with the key all the way to ACC. All electrics like radio, fan are OFF.

I recommend using a diode to isolate the battery from the tow connector. You can add a 12v LED to indicate charging if you like.

[Alberta71rt]

Originally Posted by IEales

We towed a 2013 Spark LT manual for two years. The steering wheel locked when the key is OFF and the steering wheel is ½ turn from center.

First time we towed it for about six hours the battery was dead.

What we found was that if you remove the key after shutting off the engine, then put it back in and turn it to the first click, between OFF and ACC the battery did not discharge.

In any event, I wired in a charge line from the coach to preclude discharging the battery with the key all the way to ACC. All electrics like radio, fan are OFF.

I recommend using a diode to isolate the battery from the tow connector. You can add a 12v LED to indicate charging if you like.

I have tried turning the wheel from one extent to the other with the key inserted and off and the key removed and it does NOT lock, maybe a difference with the changes on the new model in 2016??? Not sure. I just don't know why GM would instruct to turn key to accessory if there is no steering lock?? Possibly thinking power needing to be supplied to an aftermarket brake controller?? Did you have a brake controller in yours? If not why did you not just disconnect battery?

[capnqball]

We have a 21 Spark Manual LT and all we do is put the transmission in Neutral, Release the parking brake, make sure all electrical is off, pull the key out, shut the door and walk away. We do have a charge line installed to provide 12V from the coach so we don't have any issues with dead batteries when we get somewhere.

[Alberta71rt]

Originally Posted by capnqball

We have a 21 Spark Manual LT and all we do is put the transmission in Neutral, Release the parking brake, make sure all electrical is off, pull the key out, shut the door and walk away. We do have a charge line installed to provide 12V from the coach so we don't have any issues with dead batteries when we get somewhere.

Why would you need to run a charge wire if the key is off and out? Are you using a brake system in your Spark?

[IEales]

Originally Posted by Alberta71rt

Possibly thinking power needing to be supplied to an aftermarket brake controller?? Did you have a brake controller in yours? If not why did you not just disconnect battery?

We use Air Force One that uses next to no power.

I measured the disconnected parasitic draw at ≈1A which doesn't take long to flatten the tiny Spark battery. If we didn't drive the Spark for a couple of weeks in the winter, the year-old battery might not start the car.

I'm a firm believer in "As simple as possible and no simpler" and "Everything that can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible time."

With a charge line, just disconnect and drive the toad.

Once, the GPS goof and sent us down a road that turned into one lane. We proceeded until there was a wide spot where I could make a four-point turn in the RV after disconnecting the Spark. The missus followed me back in the Spark.

Without a charge line, the turnaround time would likely double having to get a wrench from the tool chest, open the hood on the Spark, connect the battery - which is inconveniently located, close the hood, put away the wrench...

[IEales]

Originally Posted by Alberta71rt

Why would you need to run a charge wire if the key is off and out? Are you using a brake system in your Spark?

See above

[Alberta71rt]

Originally Posted by IEales

We use Air Force One that uses next to no power.

I measured the disconnected parasitic draw at ≈1A which doesn't take long to flatten the tiny Spark battery. If we didn't drive the Spark for a couple of weeks in the winter, the year-old battery might not start the car.

I'm a firm believer in "As simple as possible and no simpler" and "Everything that can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible time."

With a charge line, just disconnect and drive the toad.

Once, the GPS goof and sent us down a road that turned into one lane. We proceeded until there was a wide spot where I could make a four-point turn in the RV after disconnecting the Spark. The missus followed me back in the Spark.

Without a charge line, the turnaround time would likely double having to get a wrench from the tool chest, open the hood on the Spark, connect the battery - which is inconveniently located, close the hood, put away the wrench...

I agree , simple is best.
I'm trying to figure out why Chevy would say to turn the key to the accessory position when the steering does NOT lock? I should be able tow without the key in the ignition and leave the battery connected? ( no brake controller)

[IEales]

There's a bit of chatter online about Spark steering lock. Some are like ours with lock in 180 position, some no lock and some minimal.

I'd be leery of saying there is no lock in that it could be flaky and jump to active over a good bump. A sharp turn might then engage it in the 180 position.

Check the parasitic draw with key out, doors closed after about a minute. Divide the 140AH rating by the measured value and that will give you the number of hours to drain the battery. Don't go more than ½ that number of hours before charging.

According Flat Towing Law, Alberta requires toad brakes @ 2004 pounds / 900kg

[capnqball]

On our '21 Spark we were glad we had provided a charge line for our previous CRV and that prevented any issues down the line. Makes the hookup and disconnect really simple.

[Alberta71rt]

It's weird that Alberta out of all the provinces has the lowest weight rating before brakes are required .