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 (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 (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 (3,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System
SeeRadio Frequency
Statement on page 13‑28 for
information regarding Part 15
of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules and
Industry Canada Standards
RSS-210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter functions will
work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Keep in mind that other conditions,
such as those previously stated,
can impact the performance of the
transmitter.
K(Unlock): Press once to unlock
the driver door. Press a second time
within five seconds to unlock all
doors. The hazard warning lamps will
flash twice each time the button
is pressed and the anti-theft
alarm system will be disarmed.
See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑13.
Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The hazard warning lamps will flash
once and the anti-theft alarm system
will be armed. See Anti-theft Alarm
System on page 2‑13.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock and then
the driver door will unlock if the
Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
feature is enabled through
the vehicle personalization.
See “Unlocked Door Anti Lock
Out Feature” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑53 for
more information. This may vary
based on vehicle personalization.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery
If the transmitter battery is weak,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED when you try to
start the vehicle. The REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message may also be displayed
at this time.
To start the vehicle:
1. Open the instrument panelstorage and remove the
rubber mat.
2. Extend the key blade and placethe blade into the slot.
3. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake
pedal and the POWER
Obutton
on the center stack. See Power
Button on page 9‑18 for
additional information.
Replace the transmitter battery as
soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of
the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could
damage the transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Extend the key blade and open the battery cover on the back of
the unit.
2. Remove the used battery. Avoid touching the circuit board
to other components.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down toward
the base.
4. Reassemble the battery cover.
5. Check the operation of the transmitter with the vehicle.
Black plate (8,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows
Remote Start
This feature starts the heating or
air conditioning systems and rear
window defogger from outside the
vehicle. Use remote start to heat or
cool the interior when the vehicle
plugged in to maximize the electric
range by utilizing electricity from the
electrical outlet. Normal operation
of the system will return after the
vehicle has been turned on.
B(Remote Start):This button is
on the RKE transmitter.
During remote start:
.The climate control system
will typically default to the last
climate settings. If Fan Off or
Fan Only were selected, the
air conditioning or heat will turn
on as needed. See Automatic
Climate Control System on
page 8‑1 for more information.
.If the vehicle has heated
seats, and this feature has
been enabled through vehicle
personalization, the heated
seats will turn on during
colder outside temperatures.
See“Remote Start Heated
Seats” underHeated Front
Seats on page 3‑6 andVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑53
for additional information.
.The rear defogger will turn
on during colder outside
temperatures.
.Selecting1during colder
outside temperatures before
shutting the vehicle off will
help windshield clearing.
.Shutting the vehicle off in ECO
Mode without
1selected will
minimize the impact to electric
range. Shutting the vehicle off
in other modes will maximize
heating or air conditioning.
.The engine may start to provide
energy for heating and cooling,
independent of the vehicle being
plugged in or completely
charged.
.Vehicle range may decrease
if the vehicle is not plugged
into an electrical outlet. If the
vehicle is plugged in, much of
the energy needed to support
this feature will be provided from
the utility, not from the high
voltage battery.
Laws in some communities
may restrict the use of features
that remotely start the engine.
For example, some laws may
require a person using the remote
start feature to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements
on remote starting of vehicles.
Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows
Conditions in Which Remote
Start May Not Work
Conditions in which a remote start
may not occur include:
.An open hood.
.Vehicle propulsion system
fault conditions, including an
emission control system
malfunction.
.High voltage battery fault
conditions.
A second remote start or extension
will not occur if the fuel level is low.
During a remote start, conditions
in which a remote start may be
canceled include:
.Vehicle propulsion system
or high voltage battery fault
conditions.
.Low engine oil pressure.
.Engine coolant temperature that
is too high.
Door Locks
{WARNING
Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.
.Passengers, especially
children, can easily open the
doors and fall out of a moving
vehicle. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and
the doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven. (Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.
.Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when slowing or stopping
the vehicle. Lock the doors
to help prevent this from
happening.
To lock or unlock the door, use
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter or the key from outside
the vehicle. Use the door lock knob
or switch from inside the vehicle.
Black plate (18,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows
Express‐Down/Up Windows
Windows with an express-down
or up feature allow the window
to be lowered or raised without
holding the switch. The driver
window has express-down and up;
the passenger and rear windows
have only express-down.
Pull a window switch up or push
it down all the way, release it,
and the window goes up or down
automatically. Stop the window
by pushing or pulling the switch.
Express Window Anti-Pinch
Feature
If any object is in the path of the
window when the express-up is
active, the window will stop at the
obstruction and auto-reverse to apreset factory position. Weather
conditions such as severe icing
may also cause the window to
auto-reverse. The window will
return to normal operation once the
obstruction or condition is removed.
Express Window Anti-Pinch
Override
In an emergency, the anti-pinch
feature can be overridden in a
supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second
position. The window will rise for
as long as the switch is held. Once
the switch is released, the express
mode is re-activated.
In this mode, the window can still
close on an object in its path. Use
care when using the override mode.
Programming the Power
Windows
Programming the power windows
may be necessary if the 12-volt
battery has been disconnected or
discharged.
To program the window:
1. Close all doors with the
vehicle on, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is
active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 9‑22.
2. Pull the window switch to completely close the window.
Continue to hold the window
switch two seconds after the
window is closed.
3. Repeat for each window.