HARMAN Spark Device Page FAQs

1. Where can I download the HARMAN Spark app? 

You can download the Spark app from the App Store or Google Play by searching for HARMAN Spark.

 

2. Is a data plan required to use Spark?

Yes. 

 

3. Is my vehicle compatible with Spark?

Most 1996 and newer vehicles are compatible with Spark. There are some exceptions, including electric and hybrid vehicles.  

 

4. Can I view the driving history of family members?

Yes. You can view their history - including destinations, hard braking events, trip time and distance, amount of fuel used, and driving score - in the Spark app or on the web portal.

 

5. Can I use the Spark device anywhere other than in my vehicle?

No. Plugging the Spark device into anything other than the OBD II port in your vehicle will void the warranty and violate the Terms of Service.

 

6. Can I have multiple users on the same Spark device?

Each Spark device can only be used in one car at a time; however multiple users can access information in the Spark app.

 

7. Can I plug the Spark device into a different vehicle?

Yes. As long as the vehicle is compatible with Spark.

 

8. Does my phone have to be in the car for Spark to work?

Most Spark features will work if your phone isn't in the car.  However, emergency crash assistance will not be able to reach you if your phone is not in the vehicle. If there is a crash and your phone is not in the vehicle, your emergency contacts will be contacted. 

 

9. Does Spark work outside the United States?

Spark works in Mexico and Canada on a temporary roaming basis. However, certain features may not be available while roaming outside the United States.

 

10. Does Spark work if someone else drives my vehicle?

Yes. Spark works no matter who is driving the vehicle.

 

11. Will Spark drain my car battery when the engine is turned off?

When your engine is turned off, Spark goes into a low power mode and consumes very little battery. We recommend unplugging the device if your vehicle will be parked for an extended period of time.  

 

Note: The stolen vehicle tracking feature will not work if the device is unplugged from your vehicle and will provide only the last known location from when it was plugged in.

 

12. How secure is Spark?

The Spark device is read-only. It cannot write information to your vehicle’s computer or make changes to your vehicle’s functionality. All data communication between the device and app occur over a private cellular Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps protect against unauthorized third-party access. The Spark app also protects your information using industry standard encryption.

 

13. Will Spark detect all issues my car might have?

No, but Spark will detect many issues that are identifiable through your car’s OBD-II port interface - as determined by the make and model.

 

14. How is my driving score calculated?

Your score reflects your overall driving behavior. It is determined by using measurements for hard braking, hard corners, hard acceleration and speed. Additional factors such as number of miles driven and trip time also influence your score. Uncommon events, such as hard braking to avoid an object in the road, will not significantly impact your overall score.

 

15. How does emergency crash assistance work?

If you are involved in a crash, as determined by the sensors in your car, a notification will be sent to your phone asking if you need assistance. If you do not respond, your emergency contacts will be contacted and asked for permission to send emergency responders to your location. These notifications will be sent twice.  If neither you nor your emergency contacts respond to either notification, emergency responders will not be dispatched to your location.

 

16. Will Emergency Crash Assistance contact me if I have a minor, low-impact collision?

If you have a minor, low-impact collision, it will most likely not be detected by Spark and you may not receive an emergency crash assistance notification.