Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Instruments and Controls 111
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Electric Parking Brake
Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the
parking brake is applied. If the light
continues flashing after the parking
brake is released, or while driving,
there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system or another
system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Brake System
Messages 0130.
If the light does not come on,
or remains flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light
If this light comes on and stays on,
there is a problem with a system on
the vehicle that is causing the
parking brake system to work at a
reduced level. The vehicle can still
be driven, but should be taken to a
dealer as soon as possible. See
Electric Parking Brake 0185. If a
message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake
System Messages 0130.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is in ON/RUN. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
If the ABS warning light stays on
longer than a few seconds after the
vehicle is in ON/RUN, or comes on
and stays on while driving, try
resetting the system. To reset the
system:
1. While driving, pull over when it is safe to do so.
2. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
3. Turn the vehicle off.
4. Restart the vehicle.
If the ABS warning light remains on
after resetting the system or comes
on again while driving, the vehicle
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
132 Instruments and Controls
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE OVERHEATED—
REDUCE SPEED
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature or
engine oil is too hot. Reduce speed
and allow the vehicle to cool down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
TURN VEHICLE OFF
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
Stop and turn off the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so to avoid
severe damage. This message
clears when the engine has cooled
to a safe operating temperature.
ENGINE RUNNING DUE TO
TEMPERATURE
This message displays when the
high voltage battery is charged but
the engine has to come on because
of the outside temperature or high
voltage battery temperature.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the
engine oil needs to be changed.
After changing the engine oil, the
Engine Oil Life System must be
reset. See Engine Oil Life System
0 234 andDriver Information Center
(DIC) 0128 for information on how
to reset the system. See Engine Oil
0 232 andMaintenance Schedule
0 315.
OIL PRESSURE LOW —TURN
VEHICLE OFF
This message displays if low oil
pressure levels occur. Stop the
vehicle as soon as safely possible
and do not operate it until the cause
of the low oil pressure has been
corrected. Check the oil as soon as
possible and see your dealer for
service.
Fuel System Messages
CLOSE FUEL DOOR
This message displays when the
fuel door is open and the vehicle is
moving.
ENGINE NOT AVAILABLE
ADD FUEL
This message displays when the
engine is not available due to
running out of fuel. The vehicle can
continue to be driven in Electric
Mode until the battery is depleted,
but will have reduced acceleration.
When this message is displayed,
refuel the vehicle. See Out of Fuel/
Engine Unavailable 0179.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as
soon as possible.
READY TO REFUEL
This message displays when the
fuel system is depressurized and
the vehicle can be refueled.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
136 Instruments and Controls
battery. Only if both the
PROPULSION POWER IS
REDUCED message and the
malfunction indicator lamp are on
should the vehicle be taken to the
dealer for service.
While climbing the grade with this
message displayed, the vehicle
speed may be reduced until the
engine can recover the battery state
of charge to a normal level. See
“Mountain Mode”underDriver
Selected Operating Modes 0177.
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays when there
is a problem detected with the
StabiliTrak system. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but the StabiliTrak
system is not operational. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0188 for information on
resetting the system.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem detected with the
Traction Control System (TCS). The
vehicle is safe to drive, but the TCS
is not operational. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 188 for information on resetting
the system.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when
StabiliTrak is turned off. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) is
turned on.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.
Security Messages
SERVICE THEFT ALARM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the alarm. See your
dealer for service.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See your dealer for service.
Service Vehicle Messages
ENGINE MAINTENANCE XXX%
COMPLETE
This message displays when the
Engine Maintenance Mode is
running. See “Engine Maintenance
Mode (EMM)” underMaintenance
Modes 0180.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
214 Driving and Operating
OPSymbol Fault/Condition/Event
OSolid Green(Off (No Light)@No faults: The charge cord is receiving power from the
electrical outlet and is ready to supply it to the vehicle.
nFlashing GreenOSolid RedR pb
Electrical Outlet/Plug Fault: The charge cord has detected
that the electrical outlet/plug overheated. Electrical outlets
may wear out with normal usage or be damaged over time,
making them unsuitable for electric vehicle charging. Do not
use an electrical outlet that is worn, damaged, or one that
will not hold the plug firmly in place. Use another electrical
outlet or have the electrical outlet serviced by a qualified
electrician. Reset the charge cord by unplugging the charge
cord from the electrical outlet and re-plugging it.
(Off (No Light)OSolid RedR o
Electrical System Fault: The charge cord has detected a
missing or improper ground within the building's electrical
system. Do not use an electrical outlet that is not properly
grounded. Use another electrical outlet or have a qualified
electrician inspect and verify the building's electrical system.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Driving and Operating 215
OPSymbol Fault/Condition/Event
(Off (No Light)nFlashing RedRb
Vehicle Fault: The charge cord ground-fault circuit interrupter
(GFCI) has tripped. Ensure that there is no physical damage
to the charge cord, and that the vehicle plug is seated
completely and making a good connection. Reset the charge
cord by unplugging from the electrical outlet and re-plugging
it. If the fault remains, see an authorized dealer for service.
OSolid GreennFlashing RedR m
Charge Cord Fault: The charge cord has detected a potential
problem with the charge cord. Reset the charge cord by
unplugging from the electrical outlet and re-plugging it. If the
fault remains, see an authorized dealer for service.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
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.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
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
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
316 Service and Maintenance
Engine Oil Change
Every 24 months or when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, change the
engine oil and filter as soon as
possible, within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once
every 24 months. After each oil and
filter change, the oil life system must
be reset. SeeEngine Oil Life
System 0234. More frequent
changes may be required when the
vehicle is exposed to a corrosive
environment, such as areas of high
humidity, along an ocean coast,
and/or areas that apply road salt
during winter.
Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the
oil is changed.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0274.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0232 andEngine Oil Life
System 0234.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0239.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0242.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0304. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 248. .
Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0268.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0273.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0 235.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0304.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0304.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 060.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.