Page 311 of 454

Black plate (7,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-7
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records on
page 11‑14.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Turn the vehicle off beforeopening the hood. If the vehicle
is on, the engine will start when
the hood is opened. See Electric
Mode on page 9‑24 and
Extended Range Mode on
page 9‑24.
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.
Page 319 of 454

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-15
Cooling System (Engine)
When it is safe to lift the hood:
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tank andPressure Cap
B. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)
{WARNING
The electric fans under the hood
can start up even when the
engine is not running and can
cause injury. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
The coolant level should be up to
the cold fill line. If it is not, there
might be a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{WARNING
Heater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the vehicle if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
electric cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, the fans
should be running. If it is not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the
vehicle.
Page 324 of 454

Black plate (20,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
10-20 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system can blow out
and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn
the surge tank pressure
cap—even a little —they can
come out at high speed. Never
turn the cap when the cooling
system, including the surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the
cooling system and surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever
have to turn the pressure cap. If coolant is needed, add the proper
DEX-COOL coolant mixture at the
coolant surge tank.
The coolant surge tank pressure
cap can be removed when the
cooling system, including the surge
tank pressure cap and upper
radiator hose, is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise. If a hiss is
heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Keep turning the cap and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper mixture to the cold
fill line.
4. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is
hand‐tight and fully seated.
Notice: If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.