Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 255
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. 4. Pull the load floor cover
forward to access and
reconnect the 12-volt battery
black negative (−) cable.
5. After the cable has been connected, open the rear hatch
and then tighten the cable.
After the battery cable is
reconnected, it is possible that the
vehicle may not operate in Electric
Mode. If this happens, the high
voltage battery may need to be
charged.
Electric Drive Unit Shift
Lock Control Function
Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured. 1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 185.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the vehicle off and the brake not applied, press and
hold POWER
Ofor more than
five seconds to place the
vehicle in Service Mode. See
Power Button 0171. Without
applying the regular brake, try
to move the shift lever out of
P (Park) with normal effort.
If the shift lever moves out of
P (Park), contact your dealer
for service.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
306 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
Jump starting is connecting jumper
cables between the two vehicles to
enable vehicle starting. If the Volt or
another vehicle has a run-down
12-volt battery, it can be jump
started using good condition jumper
cables. There are different
procedures depending on if the Volt
has a run-down battery or another
vehicle has a run-down battery.
Read the appropriate procedures
that follow.
{Warning
The high voltage battery cannot
be jump started either with
another vehicle or battery
charger. Personal injury, death,
or damage to the vehicle could
result.
{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. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0235 and the back
cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can
be dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these
things can hurt you.
{Warning
Electric fans can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fans.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result
in costly damage to the vehicle
that would not be covered by the (Continued)
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 307
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. Trying to start
the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage
the vehicle.
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 the ignition off 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.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
308 Vehicle Care
4. Locate the positive (+) andnegative (−) 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
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
0 345.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 309
Disconnecting the Jumper Cables1. 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.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) 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.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
310 Vehicle Care
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 both vehicles. 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
vehicle with the run-down
battery.
5. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) battery terminals
on the Volt. The 12-volt battery
is under the load floor in the rear cargo area. Open the
access covers for the
positive (+) terminal (1) and the
negative (−) terminal (2).
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 remote
negative (−) terminal if
available, or a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
a solid engine ground on the
vehicle with the run-down
battery.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or there will be a
short that may damage the
battery or other parts of the
vehicle. Do not connect the
negative (−) cable to the negative (−) terminal on the
run-down battery because this
can cause sparks.
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 positive (+)
terminal of the other vehicle
with the run-down battery. Use
a remote positive (+) terminal if
available. Do not let the other
end touch metal.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 311
2. Connect the other end of thered positive (+) jumper cable to
the positive (+) battery terminal
of the Volt.
3. Connect the black negative (−) jumper cable to the
negative (−) battery terminal of
the Volt. Do not let the other
end touch anything until the
next step.
4. Make the final connection to a heavy, 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. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground. Consult
a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
If the vehicle is equipped with a tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier
from a flat road surface. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from
snow, mud, or sand.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Service and Maintenance 327
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0240.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 279.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0284.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 250.
. Engine, power electronics, and
high voltage battery pack
coolant level checks.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
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. See Engine Oil Life
System 0242. 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 0284.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0240 and
Engine Oil Life System 0242.
. Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0250.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0315. Replace worn or