Black plate (82,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
10-82 Vehicle Care
5. Ramps (B) are required for thefront fascia (C) to clear the
flatbed (A). The ramp height
should be approximately 102 mm
(4 in). Lower the flatbed onto the
set of ramps.
Notice: If ramps are not used, the
front fascia will come into contact
with the flatbed and may cause
damage. Always use ramps.
6. After the front tires are on the flatbed adjust the flatbed upward
to provide additional clearance
between the air dam, fascia, and
flatbed. 7. When the fascia has enough
clearance to clear the flatbed,
lower the flatbed, and finish
pulling the vehicle onto the
flatbed.
8. Secure the vehicle to the
flatbed (B) using nonabrasive
straps (A) through all four wheel
openings and secure the straps
to the flatbed (B).
If the vehicle is parked off the
shoulder of the road, at an angle
that it cannot be pulled onto a
flatbed, a hook/chain can be placed
into either of the front torque box
openings to pull the vehicle onto a
flat surface. Make sure that the
chains do not come in contact with
the rocker panel (A) or the front
fascia (B).
Black plate (87,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses and Emblems
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" earlier in this section.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using 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. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑12.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Notice: Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
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.
Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-1
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . 11-14
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up‐to‐
date tools and equipment for fast
and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Notice:
Damage caused by
improper maintenance can lead to
costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑50.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑57.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑21.
.Engine, power electronics, and
high voltage battery pack
coolant level checks. See
Cooling System (Engine) on
page 10‑15 orCooling System
(High Voltage Battery) on
page 10‑16 orCooling System
(Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) on page 10‑17 for
more information.
Engine Oil Change
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 10‑12. 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. Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. 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 when the
oil is changed.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See
Tire
Rotation on page 10‑57.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑9 andEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑21.
Black plate (10,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi‐point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
.With a multi‐point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi‐point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money, fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-11
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, seeInterior Care on
page 10‑89 andExterior Care on
page 10‑85.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment. Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
.Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
.Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.
Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Customer Information 13-7
Chevrolet and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
limit services or payment to an
owner or driver if they decide the
claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many
times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
.Lock‐Out Service:Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
.Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow.
.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.
Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
i-2 INDEX
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 9-36
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-48
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . 10-31
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14, 5-44
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 9-60
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Camera, Rear Vision . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Cautions, Danger, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Charge Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Delay Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . 9-58
Plug-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Utility Interruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58
Charging Status Screens . . . . . . 9-52
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 5-19
Check Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19 Child Restraints
Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . 3-42
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-50, 3-53
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-85
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Climate Control Systems Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 13-10
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14, 5-44
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Connections, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . 14-4
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Coolant Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25