Why Does the Key Need to be Turned to ACC/ACCESSORY When Flat Towing a 2014 Chevy Spark

Updated 10/03/2017 | Published 10/02/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles

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$45.63

Roadmaster Crossbar-Style Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms

(2125)

$575.00

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 7-Way to 6-Way Coiled Adapter Cord

(3183)

$179.84

Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar - RV Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs

(401)

$850.00

RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables - 6,000 lbs

(654)

$71.02

Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit

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$46.22

Roadmaster Brake-Lite Relay Kit for Towed Vehicles

(700)

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Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo Flat Tow Brake System for RVs w/ Hydraulic Brakes - Proportional

(754)

$1175.00

Question:

Hi, I just bought a 2014 Chevy Spark, manual trans to dingy tow behind our motor home. I know it can be safely towed on all four wheels, but the owners manual say to turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. Why? Wont this cause a drain on the battery? Is this really necessary? Thanks!

asked by: Nick M

Expert Reply:

The reason that you need to turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY when flat towing your 2014 Chevrolet Spark is so that the steering wheel will be unlocked. Otherwise the steering wheel will be locked and you will ruin your vehicle. It will cause your battery to slowly drain, but you can install a Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit # RM-156-25 on your Spark to help maintain the battery charge level while it is being flat towed.

You can run the wire from the charge line kit to the center pin of the 6-Way on your Spark that comes with the Roadmaster Diode 7-Wire to 6-Wire Flexo-Coil Wiring Kit # RM-15267 to connect to the 12V power from your motorhome. This kit will activate the tail and signal lights on your Spark correctly when installed with a Brake Light Relay Kit # RM-88400.

To flat tow your Spark you will also need the following; a Base Plate Kit, Tow Bar, Safety Cables, Supplemental Brake System, and possibly a High-Low Adapter.

The Base Plate Kit that I recommend using is the Roadmaster EZ2 Base Plate Kit # 523174-1 which has removable arms for a clean, OEM look when you are not flat towing. This will work perfectly with the Roadmaster Falcon 2 Tow Bar # RM-520 and the RoadMaster 68" Single Hook, Coiled Safety Cables # RM-643 rated for 6,000 lbs.

Since most states now require the use of a Supplemental Brake System when flat towing I recommend installing the SMI Stay-IN-Play DUO Supplemental Braking System # SM99251. This system is very easy to activate once it is installed and is barely noticeable during everyday use. You will also need to install the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751458 for this to work properly.

Most flat towing setups require the use of a High-Low Adapter for a level setup. I have attached a link to our selection of adapters as well as a helpful article that will assist you in choosing the correct one.

Please be sure to consult your owner's manual for any other special instructions for flat towing your Spark.

I have also attached some installation videos that you can reference for installation.