2011 CHEVROLET VOLT oil change

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
dexos specification and displaying
the dexos certification mark are all
that is needed for good performance
and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the
oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting
it in the trash or pouring it on the
ground, into sewers, or into streams
or bodies of water. Recycle it by
taking it to a place that collects
used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.

Black plate (16,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up
to two years. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least
once every two years and, at this
time, the system must be reset.
Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work
and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Use the SELECT knob to selectOIL LIFE on the DIC menu.
2. Press SELECT to start the OIL LIFE reset procedure.
3. The DIC menu will display “Are
you sure that you want to reset?”
Use SELECT to choose YES to
reset oil life or NO to exit and
return to the previous menu.
4. If YES is selected, the DIC menu will display RESET OIL LIFE for
a short time and then 100% OIL
LIFE will be displayed when
OIL LIFE is successfully reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑10 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Filter
Inspect the air filter at the scheduled
maintenance intervals and replace
it at the first oil change after each
80 000 km (50,000 mi) interval.
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2 for more information.
If driving in dusty/dirty conditions,
inspect the air filter at each engine
oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Filter
To inspect the air filter, remove it
from the engine air cleaner/filter
assembly and lightly shake to
release loose dust and dirt. If the
air filter remains covered with dirt,
a new air filter is required.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-21
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL
engine coolant. This coolant is
designed to remain in the vehicle for
5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi),
whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
seeEngine Overheating on
page 10‑23.
What to Use
{WARNING
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is
set for the proper coolant mixture.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down
to −37°C (−34°F), outside
temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up
to 129°C (265°F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
Never dispose of engine coolant
by putting it in the trash, pouring
it on the ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.

Black plate (94,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-94 Vehicle Care
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment to remove dust
and loose dirt. A canister vacuum
with rotating brushes in the nozzle
may only be used on floor carpet
and carpeted floor mats. For soils,
always try to remove them first with
plain water or club soda. Before
cleaning, gently remove as much of
the soil as possible using one of the
following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb
into the paper towel until no
more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression
that a ring formation may result,
clean the entire surface.
A paper towel can be used to blot
excess moisture from the fabric or
carpet after the cleaning process.
Leather
Leather, and lighter colored leather
in particular, will need more frequent
cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred
from other items so that these do
not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth
dampened with water can be
used. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can
be used. Your dealer has a GM
approved leather cleaner available
that provides superior cleaning
performance when used regularly
on finished automotive leathers.
Allow the leather to dry naturally.
Do not use heat, steam, spot lifters
or spot removers, or shoe polish on
leather. Many commercial leather
cleaners and coatings that are
sold to preserve and protect leather
may permanently change the
appearance and feel of the leather
and are not recommended.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. SeeWasher Fluid on
page 10‑24.
.Tire inflation check. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑54.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑61.
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
.Rotate tires. See Tire Rotation
on page 10‑61.
Every 24 000 km/15,000 mi
.Check the engine oil filter for
corrosion if driving in a corrosive
environment, such as areas of
high humidity, along an ocean
coast, and/or areas that apply
road salt during winter.
Have the engine oil and filter
changed if the filter shows signs
of corrosion. After each oil and
filter change, the oil life system
must be reset. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑15.
.Cooling systems inspection.
Visually inspect the hoses,
pipes, fittings, and clamps.
Replace, if needed.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑89. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑31.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑16.
.Brake system inspection.
See your dealer.
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches and
key lock cylinders lubrication.
See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
More frequent lubrication may
be required when the vehicle
is exposed to a corrosive
environment, such as areas of
high humidity, along an ocean
coast, and/or areas that apply
road salt during winter. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth makes them
last longer, seal better, and not
stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑23.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
.SeePropulsion System Start
Check on page 10‑29.
.See Electrical Drive Unit Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10‑30.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑30.
.Cooling systems check.
See Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10‑18 orCooling System
(High Voltage Battery) on
page 10‑19 orCooling System
(Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) on page 10‑20.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Check the sealant expiration
date printed on the instruction
label of the tire sealant and
compressor kit. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor
Kit on page 10‑71.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate Support
Gas Strut Service: Visually
inspect gas strut, if equipped, for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the gas strut. Contact
your dealer if service is required. Every 24 Months or When the
Change Engine Oil Soon Message
Displays
.Every 24 months or when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, change the
engine oil and filter as soon
as possible, within the next
1 000 km/600 mi. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at
least once every 24 months.
After each oil and filter change,
the oil life system must be reset.
See
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑15. More frequent
changes may be required when
the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment, such as
areas of high humidity, along an
ocean coast, and/or areas that
apply road salt during winter.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will perform
this work and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is
reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi
since the last service. Reset the
oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
Every 80 000 km/50,000 mi
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement.
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works
properly. Replace as needed. An Emission Control Service.
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board
has determined that the failure
to perform this maintenance
item will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of
the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
Every 160 000 km/100,000 mi
.Spark plug replacement.
An Emission Control Service. Every 240 000 km/150,000 mi or
every 5 years, whichever occurs
first
.Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See
Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10‑18 orCooling System
(High Voltage Battery) on
page 10‑19 orCooling System
(Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) on page 10‑20.
An Emission Control Service.
Every 240 000 km/150,000 mi or
every 10 years, whichever occurs
first
.Engine drive belt inspection
for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace,
if needed.
Every 10 Years
.Air conditioning system flush
and refill and desiccant
replacement.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
i-6 INDEX
I
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Infants and Young Children,Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Information Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-41
Open Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-24
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Instrument Panel Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
J
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-48
Keyless Entry Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-49
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-49
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-3
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-21
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Lifting the Vehicle, Tires . . . . . . . 10-5
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 5-24
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 5-25
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-27
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-2
Hood, Door, Hatch Open . . . . . 5-30
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Mountain Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-18
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-27
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 5-27