Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date
of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Records on
page 11‑8.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Turn the vehicle off before opening the hood. If the
vehicle is on, the engine will
start when the hood is opened.
See Electric Mode on page 9‑25
and Extended Range Mode on
page 9‑25.
2. Pull the release handle with this symbol. It is below the
instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel.
3. Go to the front of the vehicle andlocate the secondary release
lever under the front center of
the hood. Push the secondary
hood release lever to the right
to disengage.
4. Lift the hood and release the hood prop rod from its retainer
above the radiator support.
Place the prop rod securely into
the slotted retainer in the hood. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, check
that all filler caps are properly
installed. Then, lift the hood
to relieve pressure on the
hood prop.
2. Remove the hood prop from the slotted retainer in the hood
and return it to its retainer above
the radiator support. The prop
rod must lock into place when
returning it to the retainer to
prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is firmly
closed. Repeat the process if
necessary.
Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-24 Vehicle Care
Power Steering Fluid
The vehicle is equipped with an
electric power steering system.
No fluid or general maintenance
is required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
fluid to the vehicle, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID message will appear on
the Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the fluid level is low.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑43 for more information.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
until the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑10 for reservoir location. Notice
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion
if freezing occurs, which
could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Black plate (44,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-44 Vehicle Care
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
A fuse puller is located in the engine
compartment fuse block.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown. Fuses Usage
F1 Steering Wheel
Switch Backlighting
F2 Empty
F3 Empty
F4 Body Control
Module 3/Right
Headlamp Fuses Usage
F5 Body Control
Module 2/Body
Control Module
Electronics/Hatch
Lamp/Right Daytime
Running Lamp/
Shifter Lock/Switch
Backlighting
F6 Body Control
Module 5/Retained
Accessory Power
Relay Control/Right
Front Turn Signal
Lamp/Left Rear Stop
and Turn Signal
Lamp/Right Front
Parking Lamp/Left
Rear Taillamp
F7 Body Control
Module 6/
Map Lights/
Courtesy Lights/
Back
–up Lamp
Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-51
(B) Tire Width:The three‐digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit
number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A
letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or
bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches. (F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount
of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square
inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are,
automatic electric drive unit,
power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats,
and air conditioning. Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑54.
Black plate (70,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-70 Vehicle Care
But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip
the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction
as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{WARNING
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause
a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon
as possible.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place and stopping, well
off the road, if possible.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers on page 6‑4.
2. Set the parking brake firmly. 3. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9‑22.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Inspect the flat tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a puncture larger than
6 mm (¼ in), the tire is too severely
damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6.
If the tire has a puncture less
than 6 mm (¼ in) in the tread area
of the tire, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 10‑71.
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 (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 (12,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
13-12 Customer Information
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered
by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company mayinitially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist
on Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may
be obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept
a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision
policy repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, electric drive unit, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.