Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
226 Vehicle Care
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 294
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
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
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.
See
Battery - North America 0245
and Jump Starting - North America
0 295.
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.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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232 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 242.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0235.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0232.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0232.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0236 orCooling
System (High Voltage Battery)
0 237 orCooling System
(Power Electronics and
Charger Modules) 0238.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
0 243.
7. Electric Drive Unit Fluid Cap.
8. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 236 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0237 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0238. 9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0239.
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0295.
11. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System (Engine)
0 236 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0237 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0238.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0252.
13. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0295.
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 0234.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 231 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
246 Vehicle Care
{Warning
WARNING:Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. SeeCalifornia
Proposition 65 Warning 0226.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0295 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt. Up to four weeks
.
Plug in the high voltage battery
charge cord if temperatures will
exceed 35 °C (95 °F) and keep
the 12-volt battery cables
connected.
Four weeks to 12 months
. Discharge the high voltage
battery until two or three bars
remain on the battery range
indicator (Battery symbol) on the
instrument cluster.
. Do not plug in the high voltage
battery charge cord.
. Remove the black negative (−)
cable from the 12-volt battery.
Attach a trickle charger to the
battery terminals or keep the
12-volt battery cables connected
and trickle charge from the
underhood remote positive (+)
and negative (−) terminals. See
Jump Starting - North America
0295 for the location of these
terminals.
Caution
The vehicle is equipped with an
AGM/VRLA 12-volt battery, which
can be damaged by using the
incorrect type of trickle charger.
An AGM/VRLA-compatible
charger must be used, with the
appropriate setting selected.
Follow the trickle charger
manufacturer instructions.
Reconnecting the 12-Volt Black
Negative Cable
With the 12-volt black negative (−)
cable disconnected, the hatch
cannot be opened by pressing the
hatch release button. If the hatch is
closed and latched after power has
been disconnected: 1. Use the door key to open the driver door.
2. Manually unlock and open one of the rear doors.
3. Lower one of the rear seatbacks.
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296 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. Remote Positive (+)Terminal
2. Remote Negative (−) Terminal
1. The other vehicle used to jump start the Volt must have a
12-volt battery with a negative
ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
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.
Caution
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.
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 the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminals on your Volt. Open
the access cover for the
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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298 Vehicle Care
2. Disconnect the blacknegative (−) jumper cable from
the other vehicle with the good
battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) jumper cable from the other
vehicle. Do not let the other
end of the cable touch anything
until after the next step.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) jumper cable from the Volt.
5. Return the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal covers to
their original positions.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Jump Starting Another Vehicle
When using the Volt to jump start
another vehicle with a run-down
battery, jumper cables are
connected directly to the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminals on the
12-volt battery in the rear cargo
area. Do not use the remote
terminals under the hood. This
could cause a fuse to overload in
the Volt.
1. Positive (+) Terminal
2. Negative (−) Terminal
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting. 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.
Caution
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.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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300 Vehicle Care
4. Make the final connection to aheavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to the remote
negative (−) terminal on the
other vehicle with the run-down
battery.
5. Press POWER
Oto start the
Volt. This will wake up the
electronics on the Volt. The
engine will only start if it is
needed.
6. Try to start the other vehicle that had the run-down battery.
If it will not start after a few
tries, it probably needs service.
Disconnecting the Jumper Cables 1. Disconnect the black negative (−) jumper cable from
the other vehicle that had the
run-down battery. Do not let the
other end of the cable touch
anything until after the
next step.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) jumper cable from
the Volt. 3. Disconnect the red positive (+)
jumper cable from the Volt. Do
not let the other end of the
cable touch anything until after
the next step.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) jumper cable from the other
vehicle.
5. Return the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal covers to
their original positions.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage to the
vehicle. The disabled vehicle
should be towed on a flatbed car
carrier. Use care when there is
low ground clearance and/or
special equipment. Attempting to
pull the vehicle onto a flatbed
without following the proper steps
could damage the vehicle.
Use the tow eye for towing a
disabled vehicle or loading it onto a
flatbed car carrier. The tow eye
should not be used to recover a
vehicle from an off road situation.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can
cause vehicle damage. Use
caution and low speeds to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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346 OnStar
.Obtain the Wi-Fi®hotspot name
or SSID and password,
if equipped.
Press
Qto connect to an
Advisor to:
. Verify account information or
update contact information.
. Get driving directions.
. Receive a Diagnostic check of
the vehicle's key operating
systems.
. Receive Roadside Assistance.
. Manage Wi-Fi Settings,
if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection
to an OnStar Advisor available
24/7 to:
. Get help for an emergency.
. Be a Good Samaritan or
respond to an AMBER Alert.
. Get assistance in severe
weather or other crisis situations
and find evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
OnStar Emergency Services require
a specific OnStar subscription plan.
With Automatic Crash Response, in
many crashes, built-in sensors can
automatically alert a specially
trained OnStar Advisor who is
immediately connected to the
vehicle to help.
Press
>for a priority connection to
an OnStar Advisor who can contact
emergency service providers, direct
them to your exact location, and
relay important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially
trained Advisors are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to
provide a central point of contact,
assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Assistance, Advisors
can locate a nearby service provider
to help with a flat tire, a battery
jump, or an empty gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these
services:
. With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
OnStar Advisors can use GPS to
pinpoint the vehicle and help
authorities quickly recover it.
. With Remote Ignition Block,
if equipped, OnStar can block
the engine from being started.
. With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work
with law enforcement to
gradually slow the vehicle down.
Navigation
OnStar navigation requires a
specific OnStar subscription plan.
Press
Qto receive Turn-by-Turn
directions or have them sent to the
vehicle’s navigation screen,
if equipped.