2016 CHEVROLET VOLT check engine

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
238 Vehicle Care
The high voltage battery coolant
reservoir is located in the engine
compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0231.
1. High Voltage Battery
Coolant Reservoir Cold
Fill Line
2. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir Cold Fill Line
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the high voltage battery coolant
reservoir. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is below the cold fill
line (1), there could be a leak in the
cooling system. The high voltage battery cooling
system supports the operation of
sensitive electronics that are critical
to vehicle operation.
The high voltage battery cooling
system should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules)
The power electronics and charger
modules are cooled using the same
coolant loop.
The power electronics and charger
modules in the vehicle are kept
below a maximum temperature
threshold. If the coolant temperature
rises above this temperature
threshold, the electric cooling fans
will turn on and cool the coolant
until the correct temperature is
reached.
What to Use
The power electronics and charger
modules coolant reservoir in the
vehicle is filled with GM Premix
DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0324. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be
added.
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule 0315.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The power electronics and charger
modules coolant reservoir is located
in the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0231.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 239
1. High Voltage BatteryCoolant Reservoir Cold
Fill Line
2. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir Cold Fill Line
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the power electronics coolant
reservoir. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is below the cold fill
line (2), there could be a leak in the
cooling system.
The power electronics cooling
system supports the operation of
sensitive electronics. The power electronics cooling
system should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with GM Premix
DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0324. The coolant
requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0315.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0242.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use GM
Premixed DEX-COOL coolant.
Use GM Premix DEX-COOL engine
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
240 Vehicle Care
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much deionized
water or clean drinkable water
can freeze and crack engine
cooling parts. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Use only the proper
mixture of engine coolant for the
cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0324.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or
above the cold fill mark, add GM
Premix DEX-COOL engine coolant
at the coolant surge tank, but be
sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. See Engine
Overheating 0242.
The coolant reservoir is on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0231.
The coolant level should be at or
above the cold fill line on the
coolant surge tank. If it is not, there
could be a leak in the cooling
system.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.
{Warning
The electric fans under the hood
can start up even when the
engine is not running and can (Continued)

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
242 Vehicle Care
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0335.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fan is running. If the engine
is overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, do not continue
to run the vehicle, and have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
fluid to the vehicle, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0231 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
(Continued)

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
244 Vehicle Care
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0110.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0315.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0231.
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the brake fluid
reservoir. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
brake fluid level is in the proper
operating range, between the MIN
and MAX marks.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0324.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
252 Vehicle Care
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
the following in the vehicle:
.Headlamp Wiring
. Windshield Wiper Motor
. Power Windows and other
Power Accessories
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be
borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and the wiper control is turned off.
After removal of the blockage, the
wiper motor will restart when the
control is then moved to the desired
operating position.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice, may
cause wiper damage. Always clear
ice and heavy snow from the
windshield before using the
windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block
To open the fuse block cover, press
the clips at the side and back and
pull the cover up.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical
component.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 297
remote positive (+) terminal (1).
The remote negative (−)
terminal (2) for the Volt is a
stud GND (−) on the driver side
of the engine compartment.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not 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.Caution
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 (1) 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 (2) of your Volt.
5. Press POWER
Oto 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
0 335.
Disconnecting the Jumper Cables 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) jumper cable from
the Volt. Do not let the other
end of the cable touch anything
until after the next step.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 299
3. Turn off both vehicles. Turn offthe 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
vehicle with the run-down
battery.
5. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) battery terminals
on the Volt. The 12-volt battery
is under the load floor in the
rear cargo area. Open the
access covers for the
positive (+) terminal (1) and the
negative (−) terminal (2).
6. Check that the jumper cables do not 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 remote
negative (−) terminal if
available, or a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
a solid engine ground on the
vehicle with the run-down
battery.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or there will be a
short that may damage the
battery or other parts of the
vehicle. Do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal on the
run-down battery because this
can cause sparks.
Caution
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 positive (+)
terminal of the other vehicle
with the run-down battery. Use
a remote positive (+) terminal if
available. Do not let the other
end touch metal.
2. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) jumper cable to
the positive (+) battery terminal
of the Volt.
3. Connect the black negative (−) jumper cable to the
negative (−) battery terminal of
the Volt. Do not let the other
end touch anything until the
next step.