2011 CHEVROLET VOLT battery

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Chevrolet Volt Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Battery and Efficiency . . . . . . . . 1-18
Performance and
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1
Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41 Storage
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1
Additional Storage Features . . . 4-2
Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . 5-4
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Information Displays . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-45
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . 5-53
Universal Remote System . . . . 5-60
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-85
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-18
Electric Vehicle Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Electric Drive Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-37
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-43
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-62
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-63

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer
to the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
bg: Audio Steering Wheel
Controls or OnStar®
I: Brake System Warning
Light
A: Charge Port Door
":Charging System
(12‐Volt Battery)
I: Cruise Control
f: Electric Parking Brake
d:Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
y:Fault
g:First Responder
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
_: High Voltage
j:LATCH System Child
Restraints
[: Leaf
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
B:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-9
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Sensing System for Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-15
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-16
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Battery and Efficiency
High Voltage Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Total Vehicle Range . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . 1-22
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-23
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-24
Driving for Better Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
1-18 In Brief
Battery and Efficiency
High Voltage Safety
Information
{WARNING
Exposure to high voltage
can cause shock, burns, and
even death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12‐volt
battery. If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down
the high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can
be operated again, it must be
serviced at your dealer.
See
Battery on page 10‑28 for
important safety information. If an
airbag has inflated, see What Will
You See after an Airbag Inflates? on
page 3‑31.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and
tools should inspect, test, or replace
the high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service.
See Battery on page 10‑28.
Charging
The high voltage battery can
be charged using a household
electrical outlet. There are three
ways to program how the vehicle
is charged. See Charging on
page 5‑33 for more information.
This section explains the process
for charging the high voltage battery.
Do not allow the vehicle to remain
in temperature extremes for long
periods without being driven or
plugged in. It is recommended that
the vehicle be plugged in when
temperatures are below 0°C (32°F)
and above 32°C (90°F) to maximize
high voltage battery life.
The charging system may run fans
and pumps that result in sounds
from the vehicle while it is turned
off. Additional unexpected clicking
sounds may be experienced caused
by the electrical devices used while
charging.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-19
Charging
Start Charge
1. The charge port door releasebutton is on the driver door inner
trim panel. With the vehicle in
P (Park), press the button for
one second and release to open
the charge port door. The charge
port door can also be opened
using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2‑3. In cold weather conditions, ice
may form around the charge port
door. The charge port door may
not open on the first attempt.
Remove ice from the area and
repeat attempting to open the
charge port door.
2. Open the rear hatch, lift the load
support floor covering (A), and
remove the charge cord (D). It is located near the tire sealant
and compressor kit (C). Pull up
on the charge cord handle (D)
to release it from the handle
clip (E). Lift the charge cord up
and rearward to remove it from
the vehicle. The vehicle plug (B)
is stored as shown.
3. Plug the charge cord into the electrical outlet. See Electrical
Requirements for Battery
Charging on page 9‑56. Verify
that the charge cord status
indicators are both green.
See Charge Cord on page 9‑54
for more information.

Black plate (22,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
1-22 In Brief
3. Turn the fuel capcounterclockwise to remove.
While refueling, hang the fuel
cap tether from the hook on
the inside of the fuel door.
Complete refueling within
30 minutes of pushing the
fuel door button found on the
driver side door. If refueling
more than 30 minutes, push
the fuel door button again.
4. After refueling, reinstall the fuel cap by turning it clockwise until it
clicks. Close the fuel door.
See Filling the Tank on page 9‑60.Total Vehicle Range
Total vehicle range is the remaining
distance the vehicle can be driven
combining the electric range and
fuel range.
SeeDriving for Better Energy
Efficiency on page 9‑2.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored
back into the high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
energy efficiency.
See Regenerative Braking on
page 9‑37.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
1-26 In Brief
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning
systems decreases the energy
available for electric driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is
achieved with the heat, air
conditioning, and fan turned off.
Less energy is used at low fan
speeds. When using the fan:
.Fan Only is the most energy
efficient climate setting as long
as
0is not selected.
.ECO is for moderate air
conditioning and heater
operation and is the next most
energy efficient setting as long
as
0is not selected.
.Comfort provides the most
comfort but is the least energy
efficient.Use the auto heated seat feature
instead of climate settings. Heating
the seat uses less energy than
heating the vehicle interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool
the interior when the vehicle is
plugged in to maximize the electric
range by utilizing electricity from the
electrical outlet.
In hot weather, avoid parking in
direct sunlight or use sunshades
inside the vehicle.
Turn off the front and rear window
defog/defrost when they are no
longer needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open
at highway speeds.Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the
battery temperature ready for the
next drive. This is important when
outside temperatures are extremely
hot or cold. Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
The weight of excess cargo in the
vehicle affects efficiency and range.
Avoid carrying more than is needed.
If fuel is not regularly used, consider
keeping the fuel tank only one‐third
full. Excess fuel weight impacts
efficiency and range.
Use premium fuel.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for
functions other than propelling the
vehicle will reduce EV range.
Using a rooftop carrier will reduce
efficiency due to additional weight
and drag.

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
1-28 In Brief
How OnStar Service Works
Q:Push this blue button to
connect to a specially trained
OnStar Advisor to verify your
account information and to
answer questions.
]: Push this red emergency
button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar Emergency
Advisors.
X: Push this button for hands‐free,
voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for Hands‐Free
Calling and Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation.
Automatic Crash Response,
Emergency Services, Crisis Assist,
Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Vehicle
Diagnostics, Remote Door Unlock,
Roadside Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation, and Hands‐Free Calling
are available on most vehicles. Not
all OnStar services are available on
all vehicles. For more information
see the OnStar Owner's Guide
or visit www.onstar.com (U.S.) or
www.onstar.ca (Canada), contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY
1‐877‐248‐2080, or push
the
Qbutton to speak with an
OnStar Advisor 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations,
see the OnStar Owner's Guide in
the glove box.
OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar Terms and Conditions
included in the OnStar Glove
Box Kit.
OnStar service requires wireless
communication networks and the
Global Positioning System (GPS)
satellite network. Not all OnStar
services are available everywhere
or on all vehicles at all times.
OnStar service cannot work unless
your vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with
a wireless service provider for
service in that area, and the
wireless service provider has
coverage, network capacity, reception, and technology
compatible with OnStar service.
Service involving location
information about your vehicle
cannot work unless GPS signals
are available, unobstructed,
and compatible with the OnStar
hardware. The vehicle must have
a working electrical system and
adequate 12‐volt battery power for
the OnStar equipment to operate.
OnStar service may not work if the
OnStar equipment is not properly
installed or you have not maintained
it even if your vehicle is in good
working order and in compliance
with all government regulations.
If you try to add, connect, or modify
any equipment or software in your
vehicle, OnStar service may not
work. Other problems beyond
OnStar's control may prevent
service to you, such as hills,
tall buildings, tunnels, weather,
electrical system design and
architecture of your vehicle, damage
to important parts of your vehicle
in a crash, or wireless phone
network congestion or jamming.