Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Instruments and Controls 113
such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other
electronic device. To turn off the
reminder light and/or chime, remove
the object from the seat or buckle
the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), the passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners,
the airbag modules, the wiring, and
the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System
0 65.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. See Passenger
Sensing System 071 for important safety information. The passenger
airbag status indicator is in the
overhead console.
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light ON and OFF for several
seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the
status indicator will light either ON
or OFF to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag.
If the word ON is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
114 Instruments and Controls
turned off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee
airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light 0113 for more information,
including important safety
information.
Charging System Light
(12-Volt Battery)
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the vehicle is started,
as a check to show the light is
working.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there could be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the 12-volt battery.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio.
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine
Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board
diagnostic system. If this light is on
while the engine is running, a
malfunction has been detected and
the vehicle may require service. The
light should come on to show that it
is working when the vehicle is in
Service Mode. See Power Button
0 171.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when
it comes on may prevent damage.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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172 Driving and Operating
STOPPING THE VEHICLE/OFF :
To turn the vehicle off, press
POWER
Owith the vehicle in
P (Park). Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active until the
driver door is opened. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0174.
When turning off the vehicle, if the
vehicle is not in P (Park), the vehicle
will go to ACC/ACCESSORY and
display the message SHIFT TO
PARK in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the vehicle
off by pressing POWER
O. 4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0185.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
propulsion system off in an
emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold POWER
Ofor
longer than two seconds, or press
twice in five seconds.
Service Mode
Caution
Placing the vehicle in Service
Mode will use the 12-volt battery.
Do not use Service Mode for an
extended period, or the vehicle
may not start. This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding POWER
Ofor
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but
the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The propulsion system will
not start in Service Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting and Stopping the
Vehicle
Computers determine when the
engine needs to run. The engine
may start, if required, when the
propulsion system is on.
Starting Procedure
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The propulsion system
will not start in any other position.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 237
Warning (Continued)
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
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’s 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
0 351.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Airbag System
Check 077.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0337.
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 0177.
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
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Vehicle Care 253
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light 0116.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0335.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery. The 12-volt battery is in the
rear hatch under the load floor.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer. See
“If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0348 and
High Voltage Safety Information
0 20. If an airbag has inflated, see
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 070.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery or
12-volt battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available
at http://www.recyclemybattery.com.
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the high
voltage battery temperature ready
for the next drive and prolong
battery life. This is important when
outside temperatures are extremely
hot or cold.
A vehicle cover, which can reduce
sun loading on the vehicle and
improve high voltage battery life, is
available from your dealer.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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350 Customer Information
puts you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
0345.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number
. Driver license number
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number
. Vehicle license plate number
. Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See
“Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
In a crash, the sensing system may
shut down the high voltage system.
See Battery - North America 0253
for important safety information.
If an airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 070.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
crash, flood, fire, or other event it
may be necessary to have the
vehicle inspected. SeeBattery -
North America 0253 andHigh
Voltage Safety Information 020 for
important safety information.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist on
Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may be
obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept a
repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision policy
repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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372 Index
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 273
LampsDaytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 147
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Malfunction Indicator(Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 209
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 211
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 118
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Lighting (cont'd)
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . .116
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . .117
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 120
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 120
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 147
Hold Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Mountain Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . .112
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Lights (cont'd)
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Vehicle Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 121
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Maintenance Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 327
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Index 373
Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 114
Messages
Propulsion Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Mirrors
Automatic DimmingRearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 49
Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190 Driver Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Extended Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Hold Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Modes
Driver Selected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Mountain Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . 118N
Navigation
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 171
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Oil
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 242
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 77
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 344
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
OnStar Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
OnStar Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
OnStar Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Ordering
Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 351 Out of Fuel/Engine
Unavailable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 250P
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Parking Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 256
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 175
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Parking or Backing Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 201
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Passenger Compartment Air
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 71
Pedestrian Safety Signal . . . . . . . 100
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California . . . . . . 236
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137