2016 CHEVROLET VOLT service

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

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Vehicle Care 227
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 072.Lifting the Vehicle
Use only a hoist or a service jack to
lift the vehicle. Do not use any other
type of jack.
Lifting the Vehicle with a Hoist
To hoist lift, look for the four cutout
areas on the body flange.
Caution
Lifting the vehicle improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
warranty.
1. Front Lifting Points
2. Rear Lifting Points
Access the front lifting points (1) just
behind the front tires.
Access the rear lifting points (2) just
in front of the rear tires
The hoist arm pad and jack stands
must be placed on this recessed
area of the flange.
Lifting the Vehicle with a
Service Jack
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle can cause an
injury. The vehicle can slip off the
jack and roll over you or other
people. You and they could be
(Continued)

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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228 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
badly injured. Find a level place
to lift your vehicle. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever inP (Park).
3. Turn off the vehicle.
To be even more certain the
vehicle will not move, put blocks
in front of and behind the wheels.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle or the vehicle
may fall and cause injury to you
or others.
When using a jack to lift the vehicle,
follow the instructions that came
with the jack and be sure to use the
correct lifting points to avoid
damaging the vehicle.
Caution
Lifting the vehicle improperly can
cause damage and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
warranty. Lift the vehicle using
only the lifting pads when lifting
the vehicle with a jack.
Use the lifting pads (1) to properly
lift the vehicle with a service jack.
1. Lifting Pad
2. Flange Cutout

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Place the service jack on the lifting
pad. There is a cutout on the flange
to identify the lifting pad.
For additional information, see your
dealer and the service manual.
For more information, seeDoing
Your Own Service Work 0229.Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
Never try to do your own service
on high voltage battery
components. You can be injured
and the vehicle can be damaged
if you try to do your own service
work. Service and repair of these
high voltage battery components
should only be performed by a
trained dealer technician with the
proper knowledge and tools.
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring.
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 340.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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230 Vehicle Care
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, seeAirbag System
Check 073.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0326.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage
to vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Turn the vehicle off before opening the hood. If the vehicle
is on, the engine will start when
the hood is opened. See
Electric Mode 0176 and
Extended Range Mode 0176.
2. Pull the release handle with
this symbol. It is below the
instrument panel outboard of
the steering wheel.
3. Go to the front of the vehicleand locate the secondary
release lever under the front
left 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 slot 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 slot 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.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 233
1. If the engine has been runningrecently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all
the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications 0328.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil
levels above or below the
acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful
to the engine. If you find that you
have an oil level above the
operating range, i.e., the engine
has so much oil that the oil level
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
gets above the cross-hatched
area that shows the proper
operating range, the engine could
be damaged. You should drain
out the excess oil or limit driving
of the vehicle and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 231 for the location of the engine
oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0324.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
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234 Vehicle Care
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1™specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil can result in engine
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Check with your
dealer or service provider on
whether the oil is approved to the
dexos1 specification. Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil. SAE 0W-20 may be used
as an alternative.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, always
select an oil of the correct
specification. See
“Specification”
earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.

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Vehicle Care 235
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to
two years. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once
every two years and, at this time,
the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people
who will perform this work and reset
the system. It is also important to
check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:1. Select REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC menu.
2. Press and hold
Vfor several
seconds while the Oil Life
display is active to reset the Oil
Life system.
3. 100% OIL LIFE will be displayed when the oil life
system is successfully reset.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle, see
Engine Compartment Overview
0 231.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 315.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release loose
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and