Code 82 on a Chevy Spark – Reasons and Fix

Error codes are one of the things that every driver has to face at one point. It does not matter what the vehicle is; it will throw some error code during its lifespan. Sometimes, these error codes alert the owner about severe issues; but sometimes, they are nothing to worry about. So, what is the case for Chevrolet Spark Code 82?

Code 82 on a Chevy Spark indicates that you need to change your oil. It is basically a notification, not an explicit warning. In other words, this error code does not require attention at the very moment it pops up. Instead, the true meaning of the code is that you should change the oil as soon as possible. 

But what are the causes behind the error code 82 on the Chevrolet Spark? Also, what should you do to reset it? Well, those are the things that this guide will give you appropriate details on!

Why Does Code 82 Appear on Chevy Spark?

It goes without saying that you should carry out frequent oil changes on your vehicle to keep it running optimally. The more you keep oil inside the engine, the more it tends to leave residues within the engine. These residues soon spread to different parts as the oil flows from one place to another.

As the oil goes through the engine, it enters the oil filter, which will sift out as much residue as it can. However, with time, the oil filter will get clogged up as well. And when it does, it will become less efficient. Eventually, it will become less efficient at filtering out the oil.

Now, when the filter becomes less efficient at filtering, the oil will lose its purity, making it lose effectiveness. It will not be able to do its job correctly. In other words, it will not be capable of lubricating the essential parts of the engine.

The longer you allow this to go on, the more damage will be to your engine. Eventually, the damages can take a severe turn, and you might have to spend a ton to address and fix the issues that are on the engine. In fact, you will lower the lifespan of the vehicle by allowing this process to continue longer than it should.

Furthermore, there will be an increased chance of you facing a catastrophic failure with the engine if you do not get the oil changed. For that reason, regular oil and filter changes are necessary to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. 

Well, the good news about the Chevy Spark is that it has a dedicated error code to alert you about the issue. Yes, Code 82 appears only when an oil change is essential.

How Serious Is the Error 82 Code on Chevy Spark?

As you know by now, error 82 is basically a reminder. It is there to tell you that you need to change your oil as soon as you can. However, there is a reasonable timeframe for the reminder.

Running vehicles with old engine oil is never a good idea. Old oil will create extra friction on the cylinder walls. And throughout time, there will be an increase in the diameter of the engine. Also, any irregularities that are present on the cylinder will eventually end with a blow-by.

So, even though error 82 is a warning code, we highly recommend putting a high priority on the matter.

Can You Drive the Chevy with Code 82?

Well, code 82 is not a warning. It is more like a reminder. Now, when it comes to the severity of the error code, this one resides in the less severe category. In fact, it generally pops up when the oil life is around 5 percent or less. And usually, the error code will come with another number with it, which states the remaining oil life.

So, as long as the oil life is more than 1 percent, you can drive the Chevy without any worries at all. However, as soon as the error code comes with an oil life of 1 percent, get the oil changed. Do not drive the vehicle, as the engine will be at risk of catastrophic failure. That is something that you would not want.

How to Reset the Code 82 on Chevrolet Spark?

You will need to change the vehicle’s engine oil when you see code 82. However, the code will still be there even after the oil change. Well, you do not have to panic! It just requires a reset. And the good news is that you will not need to go through any hassles when resetting the code. Just follow these steps:

• Put the key inside and put it in the on position
• Press and hold the menu button. Press it up until the point you get the “oil life” option
• The “reset” option should after right after the “oil life” option
• Here, you will see the engine oil life, which will range from 5 and below. It generally indicates the remaining life of the oil. After the change, it will not get updated automatically. Instead, it will show the last number that came up before the oil change.
• Press the Set/CLR button until the oil life number goes back to 100 percent

That is it! You will be done resetting the error code, and it should not light up after you press the Set/CLR button.

Final Words

So, in a nutshell, the code 82 on a Chevy Spark indicates that you need to perform an oil change on the vehicle. It is not a warning. Instead, it is more like a reminder. There should be other numbers on the code 82 indicator. Those numbers will state the remaining oil life from 5 and below. Change the oil before it gets to 1.