Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
Driving and Operating 187
If cruise control is being used and
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to
limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck 0164
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.
Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, and
dcomes on and stays
on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the
driver in maintaining control. The
vehicle is safe to drive, but driving
should be adjusted accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
218 Driving and Operating
Charging StatusIndicator Sound Action/Reason
Short Flashing Green
(Flash rate increases
from one to four as the
battery charges) One audible chirp Vehicle is charging.
Long Flashing Green Two audible chirps Charging is delayed by Programmable Charging or, if the vehicle is equipped
accordingly, by a total utility interruption.
Charging will begin later. SeeUtility
Interruption of Charging 0227.
Solid Green None Charging is complete.
Yellow (Upon Plug-in) None Charge cord is OK and the vehicle is preparing to charge.
Yellow (For Extended
Time Period after
Plug-in) None Charge cord is OK, but the vehicle is not
charging. This may be due to a total utility
interruption and charging will begin later.
This may also occur if the vehicle has
detected a high voltage charging system
fault. SeeUtility Interruption of Charging
0 227 orMalfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light) 0114.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
Driving and Operating 219
Charging StatusIndicator Sound Action/Reason
Short Flashing Green
(From one to four
flashes depending on
charge level) Two audible chirps Vehicle is charging but will delay by
Programmable Charging at least once
before the charge is complete.
Short Flashing Green
(From one to four
flashes depending on
charge level) or Long
Flashing Green Four audible chirps Vehicle is charging but will delay by
Programmable Charging at least once
before the charge is complete.
To increase the battery state of charge at
the departure time, perform a delayed
charging override. SeeDelayed Charging
Override 0216.
None (Upon Plug-in) None Charge cord connection should be checked.
None (After Green or
Yellow CSI Indication
Observed) None Charge cord connection should be checked.
If connection is good, this may be due to a
power failure or a total utility interruption
and charging will begin later. This may also
occur if the vehicle has detected a high
voltage charging system fault. SeeUtility
Interruption of Charging 0227 or
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0114.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
232 Driving and Operating
4. After refueling, reinstall the fuelcap by turning it clockwise until
it clicks. Close the fuel door.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait
five seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the
nozzle. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care 0309.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Caution
If a new fuel cap is needed, be
sure to get the right type of cap
from your dealer. The wrong type
of fuel cap may not fit properly,
may cause the malfunction
indicator lamp to light, and could
damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0114.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You can be badly burned
and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you
and others:
. Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
. Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
(Continued)
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
Driving and Operating 233
Warning (Continued)
.Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of
the fill opening before
operating the nozzle.
Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
. Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
. Avoid using electronic
devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your
vehicle. It was not designed or
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0114.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
Vehicle Care 235
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 236
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 237
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 243
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 245
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 246
Cooling System (High Voltage Battery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cooling System (Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 252 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Battery - North America . . . . . . 255
Electric Drive Unit Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . 257
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 257
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 258
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 258
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 262
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Electrical System Overload . . . 263
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 264
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 274
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 . . . . . . . . . . 290
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
254 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0240 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake 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 0321.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0329.
{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.
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163007) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
304 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.