Mechanics at first diagnosed the problem as mechanical but gave an electrical solution. This opinion varied among mechanics. Had it looked at by the dealership for them to say that the entire transmission needed replacing for another mechanic to get hold of this information and say there's a chance it could just be a sensor. Online resources for Spark owners who have had similar problems or the same diagnostic code share that there are fifty or so different things than can cause the same, unfavorable result. The car isn't worth the cost of labor to truly identify the problem and fix.

Going south on FL-16, I slowed down from 55 MPH down to 5 mph to make a left turn across the divided highway. The cars going North were far enough away so I decided to cross before they came close. I pressed gas pedal, but instead of accelerating, the car just refused to accelerate. Now I am in the middle of the 2 lane traffic going north, and the cars are coming at me at 55+ mph. I was in total panic. I floored the gas pedal in desperation. Luckily my Spark began moving slowly forward, barely missing the oncoming cars. I am guessing the CVT got confused.