Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Climate Controls 153
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Climate Control
Systems
Automatic Climate
Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation
for the vehicle can be controlled
with this system.
The vehicle may require the use of
an auxiliary heat source under
certain cold conditions. This
provides additional heating and
defrost capability obtained by
running the engine, even if the high
voltage battery is adequately
charged. Under these conditions,
the engine will start and use fuel.
Make sure there is fuel in the tank. Do not allow the vehicle to remain in
extreme temperatures for long
periods without being driven or
plugged in.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
154 Climate Controls
1. Manual Fan Control Knob
2. MAX Defrost
3. Defrost/Defog
4. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
5. Recirculation
6. eco Climate Mode Button
7. Temperature Control Knob
8. Driver and Passenger HeatedSeats (If Equipped)
9. MAX Climate Mode Button
10. Power Button
11. Air Delivery Mode Controls 12. Rear Window Defogger
Climate Mode Operation
There are three climate mode
settings: Fan Only, eco, and MAX.
These settings adjust the impact the
climate control system has on the
vehicle's electric range or fuel
economy.
To select a climate mode,
press eco.
Fan Only Mode :
To select this
mode, turn off both eco and MAX
mode. The air conditioning and
electric heat are turned off. As long as
0MAX is not selected, the
climate control settings may not
have a noticeable effect on the
vehicle electric range and fuel
economy.
When in Fan Only mode, the AUTO
indicator light will be on. When
AUTO is selected in Fan Only
mode, the mode will change to
either eco or MAX.
When in Fan Only mode, the air
conditioning system may turn on
automatically if the high voltage
battery is being cooled. The climate
control system could blow cold air.
This is normal. To prevent cold air
from blowing into the interior, turn off
the fan control and select the vent
mode and manual recirculation
mode, and close the air vents.
When in Fan Only mode, if Auto
Defog is enabled, the air
conditioning and electric heat may
turn on when high humidity
conditions exist. See “Climate and
Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0137 for more
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Climate Controls 157
The defogger only works when the
vehicle is on. The defogger will turn
off if the vehicle is turned off.
If equipped with heated outside
rearview mirrors, they turn on when
the rear window defogger button is
on and help to clear fog or frost from
the surface of the mirror. See
Heated Mirrors048.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything
else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Remote Start : The climate control
system may be started by using the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter. The climate control system will default to an appropriate
heating or cooling mode. See
Remote Start
038.
If equipped, the heated seats will
turn on if it is cold outside. The
heated seat indicator light may not
come on during a remote start.
If equipped, the heated steering
wheel will come on if it is cold
outside. The heated steering wheel
indicator light may not come on
during a remote start.
The rear window defogger turns on
if it is cold outside.
Compressor
The vehicle has an electric powered
air conditioning compressor. This
allows for continuous air
conditioning and/or high voltage
battery cooling operation, without
running the engine.
The compressor operating speed is
not tied to the engine speed, so
some noise may be heard from the
compressor, especially when air
conditioning use is high and the
engine has turned off. This is
normal.
Sensors
Solar Sensor
The solar sensor is on top of the
instrument panel, near the
windshield, where it monitors solar
intensity.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
Do not cover the sensor; otherwise
the automatic climate control system
may not work properly.
Humidity Sensor
The humidity sensor is near the
base of the inside rearview mirror.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature and recirculation for
best comfort.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Driving and Operating 161
Utility Interruption ofCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Electrical Requirements for Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 229
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep
your eyes on the road, keep your
hands on the steering wheel, and
focus your attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices. .
Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions.
. Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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162 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the seat belt. See Seat Belts059.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you. .
Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
. Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
Power brake assist is available
unless the 12-volt battery drains or
there is a fault in the brake
computer.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 171
Warning (Continued)
. Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
The vehicle does not require a
break-in period. Vehicle break-in is
performed during manufacturing.
Power Button
The vehicle has an electronic
pushbutton start. The POWER
O
light flashes when the driver door is
open and the vehicle is not on. The
flashing light will eventually time out. The light is on steady when in ON/
RUN power mode. When the vehicle
is turned off, the POWER
Olight
will turn off.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the vehicle
will not start, place the RKE
transmitter in the transmitter pocket.
See Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 032.
ON/RUN : This position is for
starting and driving. With the vehicle
off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing POWER
Oonce will place
the vehicle in ON/RUN. When the
READY light is on in the instrument
cluster, the vehicle is ready to be
driven. This could take up to
15 seconds at extremely cold
temperatures. See Vehicle Ready
Light 0121. The engine will only
start if needed. If the vehicle did not
start, the instrument cluster will
display a screen with inactive fuel
and battery gauges. See Starting
and Stopping the Vehicle 0172.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
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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Driving and Operating 173
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving or the electric
drive unit could be damaged.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the vehicle operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
0 232.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle.
Press the brake pedal and press
and release POWER
O. If the RKE transmitter is not in the
vehicle or something is interfering
with the transmitter, a message
displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the vehicle will not start due to a
low RKE transmitter battery, the
vehicle can still be driven. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery”
inRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 032.
A Welcome, Ready, and Good-bye
audio message will be heard in the
vehicle and animated on the
instrument cluster when opening the
driver door upon entry, when the
vehicle is ready to be driven, and
when the vehicle is turned off.
The instrument cluster displays an
active fuel and/or battery gauge,
along with an audio startup cue,
when the vehicle is ready to be
driven. This could take up to
15 seconds at extremely cold
temperatures. The engine will only
start if needed. If the vehicle did not
start, the instrument cluster will display a screen with inactive fuel
and battery gauges. See
Starting
and Stopping the Vehicle 0172.
Restarting Procedure
If the vehicle must be restarted
while it is still moving, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) and press
POWER
Otwice without pressing
the brake pedal. The propulsion
system will not restart in any other
position.
Forced Engine On
Some vehicle conditions that force
the engine to run:
. There are cold ambient
temperatures.
. The hood is open or not
completely latched while the
vehicle is not in N (Neutral).
. The high voltage battery has a
low charge.
. The engine needs to run for
maintenance.
See Maintenance Modes 0180.