2012 CHEVROLET VOLT jump start

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
2012 Chevrolet Volt Owner ManualM
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-85
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-8
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-12
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-14
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-14
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15 OnStar
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-23
Shifting out of Park
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be in ON/RUN, the brake
pedal must be applied, and the
charge cord must be unplugged.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. The shift lock
release is designed to:
.Prevent the vehicle from turning
off unless the shift lever is in
P (Park).
.Prevent moving the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the
vehicle is in ON/RUN, the brake
pedal is applied, and the charge
cord is unplugged.
Parking the vehicle in extreme cold
for several days without the charge
cord connected may cause the
electric drive unit to be locked in
P (Park) until the propulsion system
has warmed sufficiently.
The shift lock is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged
or low charged 12‐volt battery (less
than 9 volts). If the vehicle has an uncharged 12‐
volt battery or a 12‐volt battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump
starting the 12‐volt battery. See
Battery on page 10‑25
orJump
Starting on page 10‑75.
If the console shift lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular
brakes.
2. Turn the vehicle on using the POWERObutton. See Power
Button on page 9‑18.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is
pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), see your dealer
or a professional towing service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{WARNING
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
10-2 Vehicle Care
Uniform Tire QualityGrading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-63
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-65
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-67
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-74
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
Towing
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-81
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-85
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Cleaning the CenterStack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-91
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-92
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-9
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑18.
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑13.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑9.
D. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
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.
E. Engine Cover.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑9.
G. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
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.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 10‑22.
I. High Voltage Cables (Orange Color).
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑75.
K. Power Electronics Module.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑21.
M. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑75.
N. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑34.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
10-26 Vehicle Care
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12‐volt battery is
needed. The vehicle has an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12‐volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12‐volt battery will result in reduced
12‐volt battery life.
When using a 12‐volt battery
charger on the 12‐volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{WARNING
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{WARNING
12‐volt batteries have acid that
can burn you and gas that can
explode. You can be badly hurt if
you are not careful. SeeJump
Starting on page 10‑75 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Extended Storage
Remove the 12‐volt battery black,
negative (−) cable from the battery
to keep the 12‐volt battery from
running down or use a battery trickle
charger. In addition, to avoid potential
damage to the high voltage battery,
perform the following recommended
steps:.Store the high voltage battery
with 1/2 charge or less.
.Always store the vehicle in an
environment between
−10°C
(14°F) and 30°C (86°F).
.Vehicle storage at extreme
temperatures can cause damage
to the high voltage battery.
Remember to reconnect the 12‐volt
battery when ready to drive the
vehicle.

Black plate (75,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-75
Jump Starting
Jump starting is connecting jumper
cables between the two vehicles to
enable vehicle starting. If the Volt or
another vehicle has a run‐down
12‐volt battery, it can be jump
started using good condition jumper
cables. There are different
procedures depending on if the Volt
has a run‐down battery or another
vehicle has a run‐down battery.
Read the appropriate procedures
that follow.
{WARNING
The high voltage battery cannot
be jump started either with
another vehicle or battery
charger. Personal injury, death,
or damage to the vehicle could
result.
{WARNING
Batteries are dangerous and can
cause injury. Batteries contain
acid and can explode or ignite.
They contain electricity that can
burn. Follow the exact steps
provided or injuries could occur.
Using an open flame near a
battery can cause battery gas to
explode; you or others could be
hurt. Battery acid can cause
blindness.
Be sure the battery in the other
vehicle has enough water. Add
water if the level is low. A low
water level could cause explosive
gas to be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn. If battery fluid gets in
eyes or on skin; flush with water
and get medical help immediately.
{WARNING
Electric fans can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fans.
Notice: Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage to
the vehicle that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by
pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.

Black plate (76,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
10-76 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting the Volt
If the Volt will not start, the 12‐volt
battery may be run down. To jump
start the Volt use the underhood
remote positive (+) and negative (−)
terminals.
1. The other vehicle used to jumpstart the Volt must have a 12‐volt
battery with a negative ground
system.
Notice: Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump
starting. If the other vehicle does
not have a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles
can be damaged.
2. Park both vehicles close enough so that the jumper cables can
reach both vehicles' positive (+)
and negative (−) terminals. The
vehicles must not touch each
other. It could cause an
unwanted ground connection
that could damage both vehicles'
electrical systems. Put both vehicles in P (Park) for
an automatic transmission or
electric drive unit. For a manual
transmission, place the vehicle
in Neutral and set the parking
brake.
Notice: If any accessories are left
on or plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible,
turn off or unplug all accessories
on either vehicle when jump
starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on the other vehicle. Turn off the radio, all
lamps, and accessories that are
not needed in both vehicles.
Unplug accessories from the
cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlets. This avoids
sparks and helps save both
batteries and accessories.
4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on the
other vehicle.
5. Open the hood to locate thepositive (+) and negative (−)
terminals on your Volt. Open the
access cover (A) for the remote
positive (+) terminal. The remote
negative terminal (B) for the Volt
is a stud marked GND (−) on the
driver side of the engine
compartment.

Black plate (77,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-77
6. Check that the jumper cables donot have loose or missing
insulation or a shock could result
and the vehicles could be
damaged.
Before connecting the jumper
cables, here are some basic
things to know. Positive (+)
jumper cable goes to positive (+)
battery terminal or a remote
positive (+) terminal if available.
Negative (−) jumper cable goes
to negative (−) battery terminal
or a remote negative (−) terminal
if available. Do not connect
positive (+) to negative (−) or
there will be a short that may
damage the battery and other
parts of the vehicle. Notice:
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct
order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Connecting the Jumper Cables
1. Connect the red positive (+) jumper cable to the remote
positive (+) terminal (A) of your
Volt. Do not let the other end of
the cable touch metal.
2. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) jumper cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the other
vehicle. 3. Connect the black negative (−)
jumper cable to the negative (−)
battery terminal of the other
vehicle battery. Do not let the
other end touch anything until
the next step.
4. Connect the other end of the black negative (−) jumper cable
to the remote negative (−)
terminal of your Volt.
5. Push the POWER
Obutton to
start. This will wake up the
electronics on the Volt. After the
instrument cluster initializes, the
Volt will use power from the high
voltage battery to charge the
12‐volt battery. The jumper
cables can then be
disconnected. If the Volt does
not start, call your dealer or
Roadside Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6.