brakes CHEVROLET VOLT 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-4 Vehicle Care
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non‐dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride
and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or
the installation or use of non‐GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications,
is not covered under the terms of
the vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. Your GM
dealer can accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories.
When you go to your GM dealer
and ask for GM Accessories,
you will know that GM-trained and
supported service technicians will
perform the work using genuine
GM Accessories.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3‑38.

Black plate (11,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-11
A. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑21.
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑12.
D. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
on page 10‑18 orCooling
System (High Voltage Battery)
on page 10‑19 orCooling
System (Power Electronics
and Charger Modules) on
page 10‑20. E. Engine Cover.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine
Oil on page 10‑12.
G. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
on page 10‑18 orCooling
System (High Voltage Battery)
on page 10‑19 orCooling
System (Power Electronics
and Charger Modules) on
page 10‑20.
H. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” under
Brakes on page 10‑25.
I. High Voltage Cables (Orange Color). J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal.
See Jump Starting on
page 10‑79.
K. Power Electronics Module.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
M. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑79.
N. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑38.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-25
Brakes
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are first applied or
lightly applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service might
be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front
and rear brakes —for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if
the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-26 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑10 for the location of the
reservoir. There are only two reasons why
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have
the brake hydraulic system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not
work well.
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 brake
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 on page 5‑24.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-27
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑10.
With the vehicle not running for at
least one minute, the maximum fluid
level (A) is at the top of the reservoir
body. With the vehicle running, the
fluid level should be in the proper
operating range (B) between the
MIN and MAX marks. If it is not,
have the brake hydraulic system
checked to see if there is a leak. After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level, with the vehicle running, is
in the proper operating range (B)
between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake
fluid from a sealed container.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it.
This helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in
the brake hydraulic system,
the brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash. Always
use the proper brake fluid. Notice
.Using the wrong fluid
can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few
drops of mineral-based oil,
such as engine oil, in the
brake hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash
it off immediately.

Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-51
(B) Tire Width:The three‐digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit
number that indicates the tire
height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:A
letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or
bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches. (F) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount
of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square
inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are,
automatic electric drive unit,
power steering, power brakes,
power windows, power seats,
and air conditioning. Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic
tire in which the plies are laid
at alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10‑54.

Black plate (65,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-65
The Tire and Loading Information
Label indicates the original
equipment tires on the vehicle.
SeeVehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑14, for the label location
and more information about the
Tire and Loading Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can also be affected.
{WARNING
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety
if tires not recommended for
those wheels are selected.
This increases the chance
of a crash and serious injury.
Only use GM specific wheel
and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them
properly installed by a GM
certified technician.
See Buying New Tires on
page 10‑63 andAccessories
and Modifications on page 10‑4
for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires
by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance.
This applies only to vehicles
sold in the United States.

Black plate (69,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-69
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
parts. The area damaged by
the tire chains could cause
loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions.
To avoid vehicle damage, drive
slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used,
install them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
This vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit. SeeTire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 10‑71.
There is no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no
place to store a tire.
To properly lift this vehicle, see
Lifting the Vehicle on page 10‑5.
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the
tires are maintained properly.
See Tires on page 10‑48.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly.

Black plate (12,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
13-12 Customer Information
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed
there. Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered
by the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company mayinitially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with
the repair professional, and insist
on Genuine GM parts. Remember,
if the vehicle is leased, you may
be obligated to have the vehicle
repaired with Genuine GM parts,
even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.
If another party's insurance
company is paying for the repairs,
you are not obligated to accept
a repair valuation based on that
insurance company's collision
policy repair limits, as you have no
contractual limits with that company.
In such cases, you can have control
of the repair and parts choices as
long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the
engines, electric drive unit, axle,
suspension, brakes, electrical,
steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional
technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and
service of the vehicle.

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
i-2 INDEX
Brake System Warning Light . . . 5-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . 9-37
System Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . 10-36
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3 Camera, Rear Vision . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . iii
Capacities and
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Cautions, Danger, and
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
CD/DVD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69
Charge Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33 Delay Override . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Electrical Requirements . . . . . . 9-56
Plug-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Charging Status Screens . . . . . . 9-52
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 5-21
Check Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21 Child Restraints
Infants and Young
Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-43
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . 3-49
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57, 3-60
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Climate Control Systems Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-42
Cluster, Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . 13-10
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-71
Configure Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15