Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
In Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . 30
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . 99
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . 152
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . 160
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Service and Maintenance . . . . . 325
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . 341
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . 352
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
In Brief 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 13
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Passenger Sensing System . . . 13
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . 14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . 16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . 17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . 19
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . 19
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . 19
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Battery and Efficiency
High Voltage Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . 25
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . 26
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . 26 Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
In Brief 25
4. After refueling, reinstall the fuelcap by turning it clockwise until
it clicks. Close the fuel door.
See Filling the Tank 0229.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored in
the high voltage battery system,
contributing to increased energy
efficiency.
Regen on Demand
This feature will slow the vehicle by
recapturing energy using the
steering wheel paddle.
See Regenerative Braking 0187.
Service
{Warning
Never try to do your own service
on high voltage components. You
can be injured and the vehicle
can be damaged if you try to do
your own service work. Service
and repair of these high voltage
components should only be
performed by a trained service
technician with the proper
knowledge and tools. See Doing
Your Own Service Work 0236.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel slip. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is powered up.
The Electronic Stability Control
system called StabiliTrak assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is on.
.
To turn off TCS, press and
release
g, on the center console
behind the shift lever.
i
illuminates and a Driver
Information Center (DIC)
message may display.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
26 In Brief
.To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak, press and hold
g,
until
iandgcome on and stay
on in the instrument cluster a
DIC message may display.
. Press and release
gto turn on
both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0189.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0167. The
warning light will remain on until the
tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 280.
Fuel
Regular Fuel
Use only unleaded gasoline rated
87 octane or higher in your vehicle.
Do not use gasoline with an octane
rating lower as it may result in
vehicle damage and lower fuel
economy. See Fuel0228.
E85 or FlexFuel
No E85 or FlexFuel
Gasoline-ethanol fuel blends greater
than E15 (15% ethanol by volume),
such as E85, cannot be used in this
vehicle.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
to change the engine oil and filter.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
28 In Brief
engage Mountain Mode before
starting to climb. Mountain Mode
reduces electric range and power
but may be needed to maintain
speed on steep grades.
Use Hold Mode on a trip where it is
expected that all of the electric
charge will be depleted. Use Hold
Mode mainly during highway or high
speed driving to maximize both EV
miles and fuel efficiency.
Use L (Low) in heavy stop-and-go
traffic or when traveling downhill.
L (Low) provides increased
regenerative braking when the
accelerator pedal is released,
reducing brake pedal application
and regenerating electrical energy.
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning
systems decreases the energy
available for electric driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is
achieved with the heat, air
conditioning, and fan turned off.Less energy is used at low fan
speeds. When using the fan:
.
Fan Only is the most energy
efficient climate setting as long
as
0is not selected.
. Use eco for moderate air
conditioning and heater
operation. This is the next most
energy efficient setting as long
as
0is not selected.
. MAX provides the most comfort
but is the least energy efficient.
If equipped, use the heated seat
feature and the heated steering
wheel instead of climate settings.
Heating the seat and steering wheel
uses less energy than heating the
vehicle interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool the
interior when the vehicle is plugged
in to maximize the electric range by
utilizing electricity from the electrical
outlet. Engine Assisted Heating,
if equipped, can be personalized
while plugged in. See
“Engine
Assist Heat Plugged In” under
Vehicle Personalization 0137.
In hot weather, avoid parking in
direct sunlight or use sunshades
inside the vehicle.
Turn off the front and rear window
defog/defrost when they are no
longer needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open
at highway speeds.
Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the
battery temperature ready for the
next drive and prolong battery life.
This is important when outside
temperatures are extremely hot
or cold.
Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Seats and Restraints 77
system will be affected if the vehicle
is modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer Assistance Offices0343.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0113.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the
airbags, see Where Are the
Airbags? 066. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death. To
help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0113.
Child Restraints
Older Children
Older children who have outgrown
booster seats should wear the
vehicle’s seat belts.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Instruments and Controls 115
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not
run smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that might not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
electric drive unit, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not
meet the original tire
specifications, can cause this light
to come on. This could lead to
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. This could also
affect the vehicle’s ability to pass
an Emissions Inspection/(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications
0236.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service
may be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle
off and wait at least 10 seconds
before restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required. Check the following:
.
A loose or missing fuel cap may
cause the light to come on. See
Filling the Tank 0229. A few
driving trips with the cap
properly installed may turn the
light off.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the
fuel brand. It may require at
least one full tank of the proper
fuel to turn the light off. See Fuel
0 228.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the
test equipment will likely connect to
the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
116 Instruments and Controls
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering
wheel. Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test or to
service the vehicle may affect
vehicle operation. SeeAdd-On
Electrical Equipment 0232. See
your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine
is running.
. The light does not come on
when the vehicle is in
Service Mode.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if
the 12-volt battery has recently
been replaced or run down, or if
the vehicle has been recently
serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will
not pass or cannot be made ready
for the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on, there
is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly
when the engine is started. If it does
not come on then, have it fixed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is
a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on,
there is a brake problem.
{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.