Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Introduction 3
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do
Not,” “Do not do this,” or“Do not let
this happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner ’s
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. See the
features in this manual for
information.
9:
Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System (12-Volt
Battery)
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
g: First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
8 In Brief
22. Instrument Panel Fuse Door.SeeInstrument Panel Fuse
Block 0266.
23. Exterior Lamp Controls 0145.
24. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0149.Initial Drive
Information
This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner ’s manual.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may work up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
Press the key release button to
release the key. The key can be
used for all locks.
K:Press once to unlock the driver
door. Press a second time within
five seconds to unlock all doors.
Q: Press to lock all doors.
Lock and unlock feedback can be
personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization 0137.
7:Press and release to initiate
vehicle locator. Press and hold for
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm. Press again to cancel the
panic alarm.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Keys, Doors, and Windows 47
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lights
flash three times, a previous alarm
occurred while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 351.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system. The system
does not have to be manually
armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the vehicle is
turned off.
The system is automatically
disarmed when the vehicle is
started with a valid RKE transmitter in the vehicle. The RKE transmitter
uses electronic coding that matches
an immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only a correct
transmitter can be used to turn the
vehicle on.
The security light comes on if there
is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.
This light may come on briefly when
the vehicle is turned on. There is a
problem if the engine does not start
and this light stays on.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and
the RKE transmitter appears
undamaged, try the other RKE
transmitter for the vehicle, or place
the RKE transmitter in thetransmitter pocket. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 032. It may be necessary
to check the fuse. See Electrical
System Overload 0261. If the
vehicle does start, the first
transmitter is bad. If the vehicle still
does not start, the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer.
Do not leave the key or device that
disarms or deactivates the vehicle
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Instruments and Controls 103
Power Outlets
The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
There are two accessory power
outlets:
.In the storage area below the
climate control system.
. On the rear of the front console
armrest.
The power outlets supply power
while the vehicle is on, or if the
vehicle is in Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) 0174.
Lift the cover to access and replace
when not in use.
Certain accessory plugs may not be
compatible with the accessory
power outlet and could overload
vehicle or adapter fuses. If a
problem is experienced, see your
dealer. When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the installation
instructions included with the
equipment. See
Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0232.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from
the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. The power
outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such
as cell phone charge cords.
Wireless Charging
The vehicle may have a wireless
charging pocket inside the armrest
of the center console. The system
operates at 145 kHz and wirelessly
charges one Qi compatible mobile
device. The power output of the
system is capable of charging at a
rate up to 1 amp (5W), as requested
by the compatible mobile device.
See Radio Frequency Statement
0 351. To check for phone or other device
compatibility:
.
In the U.S., see
my.chevrolet.com/learn.
. In Canada, see
gmtotalconnect.ca.
. Or, see your dealer for details.
{Warning
Wireless charging can affect the
operation of an implanted
pacemaker or other medical
devices. If you have one, it is
recommended to consult with
your doctor before using the
wireless charging system.
The vehicle must be on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, or Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) must be
active. The wireless charging
feature may not correctly indicate
charging when the vehicle is in RAP.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0174.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Lighting 149
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
Move the lever all the way up or
down to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster
will flash in the direction of the turn
or lane change.Raise or lower the lever until the
arrow starts to flash to signal a lane
change. Hold it there until the lane
change is complete. If the lever is
moved momentarily to the lane
change position, the arrow will flash
three times.
The lever returns to its starting
position when it is released.
If after signaling a turn or lane
change, the arrow flashes rapidly or
does not come on, a signal bulb
may be burned out.
Have any burned out bulbs
replaced. If a bulb is not burned out,
check the fuse. See
Instrument
Panel Fuse Block 0266.
Interior Lighting
Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
The brightness of the instrument
panel cluster display, infotainment
display and controls, steering wheel
controls, and all other illuminated
controls, as well as feature status
indicators can be adjusted.
The knob for this feature is on the
instrument panel beside the steering
column.
Turn the knob clockwise or
counterclockwise to brighten or dim
the lights.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
234 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 235
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 236
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 242
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 243
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 245
Cooling System (High Voltage Battery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Cooling System (Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 250
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Battery - North America . . . . . . 253
Electric Drive Unit Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . 255
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 256
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 256
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 260
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Electrical System Overload . . . 261
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 262
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
240 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0243.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0240.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0240.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0252.
7. Electric Drive Unit Fluid Cap.
8. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules)
0249.
9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0306.
11. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0262.
13. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0306.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0242.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 261
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring
{Warning
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,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering or labels. Do not
probe, tamper with, cut, or modify
high voltage cable or wiring.
Electrical System
Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is
too heavy, the circuit breaker opens
and closes, protecting the circuit
until the current load returns to
normal or the problem is fixed. This
greatly reduces the chance of circuit
overload and fire caused by
electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
the following in the vehicle:
.Headlamp wiring
. Windshield wiper motor
. Power windows and other power
accessories
Replace a bad fuse with a new one
of the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be borrowed. Choose some feature of
the vehicle that is not needed to use
and replace it as soon as possible.Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause
the lamps to go on and off, or in
some cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away
if the lamps go on and off or
remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and the wiper control is turned off.
After removal of the blockage, the
wiper motor will restart when the
control is then moved to the desired
operating position.
Although the circuit is protected
from electrical overload, overload
due to heavy snow or ice, may
cause wiper damage. Always clear
ice and heavy snow from the
windshield before using the
windshield wipers.