Black plate (87,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-87
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing refers to
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home.
The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on
a device known as a dolly.Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:.The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Read the
tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
.How far the vehicle can be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the
proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional
advice and equipment
recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed.
Just as preparing the vehicle
for a long trip, make sure the
vehicle is prepared to be towed.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:
If the vehicle is towed
with all four wheels on the
ground, the drive unit could be
damaged. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not tow the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to
be towed with all four wheels on
the ground. If the vehicle must
be towed, a dolly should be used.
See “Dolly Towing” that follows for
more information.
Black plate (88,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-88 Vehicle Care
Dolly Towing from the Front
The vehicle can be towed from
the front using a dolly. To tow the
vehicle using a dolly, follow these
steps:
1. Attach the dolly to the towvehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions. 2. Drive the front wheels onto
the dolly.
3. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake and remove the key.
5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Check for adequate rear fascia to ground clearance.
Dolly Towing from the Rear
Notice: Towing the vehicle from
the rear, with the front wheels
on the ground, could damage
the drive unit, and front fascia.
Do not tow the vehicle from the
rear with the front wheels on the
ground.
Black plate (91,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-91
Notice:Conveyor systems on
some automatic car washes could
damage the vehicle. There may
not be enough clearance for the
undercarriage. Check with the car
wash manager before using the
automatic car wash.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips
will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean
cloth. During very cold, damp
weather frequent application may
be required. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
The vehicle may have either
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a
soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then
be applied. Notice:
Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium, calcium
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Notice: Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels, because
the surface could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Use only
approved cleaners on aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels.
Notice: Never drive a vehicle that
has aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide
tire cleaning brushes, as this
could cause damage. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a
lint‐free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a
mild detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap,
and a buildup of vehicle wash/
wax treatments may cause wiper
streaking. Replace the wiper blades
if they are worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions.
.Sand and salt.
.Heat and sun.
.Snow and ice, without proper
removal.
Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
12-2 Technical Data
Vehicle Data
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in metric and English conversions. Refer toRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6 for more information.
Application Capacities
Metric English
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a For the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant label under the hood. See your dealer for more information.
Cooling Systems Engine 6.3 L 6.7 qt
High Voltage Battery 6.0 L 6.3 qt
Power Electronics 3.0 L 3.2 qt
Engine Oil with Filter 3.5 L 3.7 qt
Fuel Tank 35.2 L 9.3 gal
Electric Drive Unit 8.45 L 8.93 qt
Wheel Nut Torque 140 Y100 lb ft
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual.
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-5
Other Helpful Links
Chevrolet—www.chevrolet.com
Chevrolet Merchandise —
www.chevymall.com
Help Center —www.chevrolet.com/
pages/mds/helpcenter/faq.do
.FAQ
.Contact Us
My GM Canada www.gm.ca
My GM Canada is a
password-protected section
of www.gm.ca where you can
save information on GM vehicles,
get personalized offers, and use
handy tools and forms with
greater ease. Here are a few of the valuable
tools and services you will have
access to:
.My Showroom: Find and save
information on vehicles and
current offers in your area.
.My Dealers: Save details such
as address and phone number
for each of your preferred GM
dealers.
.My Driveway: Access quick
links to parts and service
estimates, check trade-in
values, or schedule a service
appointment by adding the
vehicles you own to your
driveway profile.
.My Preferences: Manage your
profile and use tools and forms
with greater ease.
To sign up, visit the My GM.ca
section within www.gm.ca.
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
This program is available to
qualified applicants for cost
reimbursement of eligible
aftermarket adaptive equipment
required for the vehicle, such as
hand controls or a wheelchair/
scooter lift for the vehicle.
For more information on the limited
offer, visit www.gmmobility.com or
call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text Telephone (TTY) users,
call 1-800-833-9935.
General Motors of Canada
also has a Mobility Program.
Call 1-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483)
for details. TTY users call
1-800-263-3830.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Customer Information 13-7
.Flat Tire Change:Service to
change a flat tire with the tire
sealant and compressor kit.
If the tire has been separated
from the wheel, has damaged
sidewalls, or has a large
puncture, the tire is too severely
damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective.
It is the owner's responsibility for
the repair or replacement of the
tire if it is not covered by the
warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
.Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
.Towing or services for vehicles
driven on a non-public road or
highway.
Services Specific to Canadian
Vehicles
.Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is approximately $5 Canadian.
Diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed
maps of North America are
provided when requested either
with the most direct route or the
most scenic route. There is a
limit of six requests per year.
Additional travel information
is also available. Allow three
weeks for delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits
and Assistance: Must be
over 250 km (150 mi) from
where the trip was started to
qualify. General Motors of
Canada Limited requires pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy
of the repair orders. Once
authorization has been received,
the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements
and explain how to receive
payment.
.Alternative Service:
If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the
Roadside Assistance advisor
may give permission to get
local emergency road service.
You will receive payment, up to
$100, after sending the original
receipt to Roadside Assistance.
Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for
parts and labor for repairs not
covered by the warranty are
the owner's responsibility.
Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
i-10 INDEX
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . 13-25
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-25
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . 13-24
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . 11-2
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . 13-8
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
Seats Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Heated Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57, 3-60
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Service Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21 Service (cont.)
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 11-8
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Parts Identification Label . . . . . 12-1
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 13-8
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Specifications and
Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Sport Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Start Check Propulsion
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20 Starting the Vehicle
Messsages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-52
Status Screens Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6 Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Storage Areas Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Floor Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Symbols, Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . 7-47
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
System Needs Service, If . . . . . . 7-76
System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-11
T
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . 13-4
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . 2-14Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Tires Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Inflation Monitor System . . . . 10-57
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-52
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Pressure Monitor System . . . 10-55
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
Sealant and Compressor Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-78
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51 Tires (cont.)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-67
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Total Vehicle Range . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Towing General Information . . . . . . . . . . 9-62
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . 10-87
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . 9-37
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
U
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . . . 9-43
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Universal Remote System . . . . . 5-60 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-63
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-60
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
V
Vehicle Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Identification
Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53
Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53
Starting and Stopping . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Total Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-84