CHEVROLET VOLT 2012 1.G Owner's Guide

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-25
2. When the READY TO REFUELmessage displays, the fuel door
on the passenger side will
unlock. Push the rearward edge
of the fuel door in and release to
open the door.
3. Turn the fuel cap counterclockwise to remove.
While refueling, hang the fuel
cap tether from the hook on the
inside of the fuel door. Complete
refueling within 30 minutes of
pushing the fuel door button on
the driver door. If refueling more
than 30 minutes, push the fuel
door button again. 4. After refueling, reinstall the fuel
cap by turning it clockwise until it
clicks. Close the fuel door.
See Filling the Tank on page 9‑62.
Total Vehicle Range
Total vehicle range is the remaining
distance the vehicle can be driven
combining the electric range and
fuel range.
SeeDriving for Better Energy
Efficiency on page 9‑2.
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
back into the high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
energy efficiency.
See Regenerative Braking on
page 9‑36.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
1-26 In Brief
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. SeeDoing
Your Own Service Work on
page 10‑6.
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The TCS limits wheel spin. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is on.
.To turn off traction control, press
and release the TCS/ESC
button, located on the overhead
console.
iilluminates and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑53.
.Press and release the TCS/ESC
button again to turn on traction
control.
For more information, see Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑36.
Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
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 both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
the TCS/ESC button located on
the overhead console, until
i
andgilluminate in the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑53.
.Press and release the TCS/ESC
button to turn on both systems.
For more information, see Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) on
page 9‑38.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-27
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
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. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑12. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected. During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. 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. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑51.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may have a tire sealant
and compressor kit that can be used
to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire. Significant sidewall
damage will require the tire to be
replaced.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit on page 10‑67 for complete
operating information.
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.
The oil life system should be reset
to 100% only following an oil
change.

Black plate (28,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
1-28 In Brief
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Use the SELECT knob to selectOIL LIFE on the DIC menu.
2. Press SELECT to start the OIL LIFE reset procedure.
3. The DIC menu will display “Are
you sure that you want to reset?”
Use SELECT to choose YES to
reset oil life or NO to exit and
return to the previous menu.
4. If YES is selected, the DIC menu will display RESET OIL LIFE for
a short time and then 100% OIL
LIFE will be displayed when OIL
LIFE is successfully reset.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency
Use the following tips to help
maximize energy efficiency and
range.
Driving Style
Efficiency Gauge (Instrument
Cluster)
The ball indicator should be kept
green and in the center of the
gauge.
Inefficient acceleration is indicated
when the ball turns yellow and
travels above the center of the
gauge.
Aggressive braking is indicated
when the ball turns yellow and
travels below the center of the
gauge. Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid unnecessary rapid
accelerations and decelerations.
Electric range is maximized at
80 km/h (50 mph) and below. Higher
speeds use more energy and can
significantly reduce electric range.
Use cruise control when
appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and
coast whenever possible. For
example, do not rush to traffic
signals.
Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast.
The vehicle recovers energy while
coasting and braking in D (Drive)
or L (Low).
Drive Mode and PRNDL Selection
Use Normal Mode when possible.
Sport Mode provides more
responsive acceleration than
Normal Mode but can reduce
efficiency.

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
In Brief 1-29
Use Mountain Mode prior to
climbing long, steep grades in
mountainous areas. Be sure to
engage Mountain Mode before
starting to climb. Mountain Mode
reduces electric range and power
but may be needed to maintain
speeds above 96 km/h (60 mph)
when climbing grades of 5% or
greater.
Use L (Low) in heavy stop‐and‐go
traffic or when traveling downhill.
L (Low) requires less brake pedal
application and provides a
controlled, efficient way to slow
the vehicle down.
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.
.ECO is for moderate air
conditioning and heater
operation and is the next most
energy efficient setting as long
as
0is not selected.
.Comfort provides the most
comfort but is the least energy
efficient.
Use the auto heated seat feature
instead of climate settings. Heating
the seat 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 operation,
if equipped, can be personalized.
See
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑56 for more information.
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. This is important when
outside temperatures are extremely
hot or cold.

Black plate (30,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
1-30 In Brief
Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
The weight of excess cargo in the
vehicle affects efficiency and range.
Avoid carrying more than is needed.
If fuel is not regularly used, consider
keeping the fuel tank only one‐third
full. Excess fuel weight impacts
efficiency and range.
Use premium fuel.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for
functions other than propelling the
vehicle will reduce EV range.
Using a rooftop carrier will reduce
efficiency due to additional weight
and drag.Roadside Assistance
Program
U.S.:1-888-811-1926
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
Canada: 1-800-268-6800
As the owner of a new Chevrolet,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Assistance program. This
program provides security and
convenience in the event of an
on-road failure or emergency
situation. Service is provided
24 hours a day, 365 days a year for
the 5 year/160 000 km (100,000 mi)
coverage period.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6 for more information.
Roadside Assistance and OnStar
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Qbutton
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact Roadside Assistance, and relay
your exact location to get the help
you need.
Online Owner Center
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: chevrolet.com
(Click on "Owners," then
"Manage My Chevrolet/Owners
Login")
Canada: chevroletowner.ca
OnStar®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See
OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1 for more information.

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-1
Keys, Doors, and
Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . 2-13
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Doors
Hatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Vehicle Security
Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15
Anti-theft Alarm System . . . . . . 2-15
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-16
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
Interior Mirrors
Manual Rearview Mirror . . . . . . 2-18
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Windows
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21

Black plate (2,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks
Keys
{WARNING
Leaving children in a vehicle with
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter is dangerous for many
reasons; children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
RKE transmitter in the vehicle
and they could be seriously
injured or killed if caught in the
path of a closing window. Do not
leave the RKE transmitter in a
vehicle with children.
The key that is part of the RKE
transmitter can be used for all locks.
Press the key release button on the
RKE transmitter to extend the key.
Press the key release button and
fold the key blade to retract the key.
The key has a bar-coded key tag
that the dealer or qualified locksmith
can use to make new keys. Store
this information in a safe place, not
in the vehicle. See your dealer if a replacement
key or an additional key is needed.
Notice:
If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.
If locked out of the vehicle, call
the Roadside Assistance Center.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6. With an active
OnStar subscription, an OnStar
Advisor may remotely unlock the
vehicle. See OnStar Overview on
page 14‑1.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑17 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:
.Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See“Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The RKE transmitter functions will
work up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.
Keep in mind that other conditions,
such as those previously stated,
can impact the performance of the
transmitter.
K(Unlock): Press once to unlock
the driver door. Press a second time
within five seconds to unlock all
doors.
The hazard warning lamps will flash
twice each time the button is
pressed and the anti-theft alarm
system will be disarmed. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑15. On some models, pressing and
holding
Kwill open all of the
vehicle's windows. See Power
Windows on page 2‑19. This feature
can be disabled by a service
technician.
Q(Lock): Press to lock all doors.
The hazard warning lamps will flash
once and the anti-theft alarm system
will be armed. See Anti-theft Alarm
System on page 2‑15.
If the driver door is open when
Qis
pressed, all doors lock and then
the driver door will unlock if the
Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out
feature is enabled through the
vehicle personalization. See
“Unlocked Door Anti Lock Out”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑56 for more information.
This may vary based on vehicle
personalization.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
7(Panic Alarm):Press and
release one time to locate the
vehicle. The exterior lamps flash
and the horn chirps three times.
Press and hold for three seconds to
sound the panic alarm. The horn
sounds and the turn signals flash for
30 seconds. Press again to cancel
the panic alarm.
B(Remote Start): PressQand
then press and hold
Bwithin
five seconds to start the vehicle's
heating or air conditioning systems
and rear window defogger from
outside the vehicle using the RKE
transmitter. See Remote Start on
page 2‑8 for more information. The auto heated seats, if equipped,
can be programmed to come on
when the vehicle is remotely
started. See
Vehicle Personalization
on page 5‑56 for more information.
Also see “Auto Heated Seats” under
Heated Front Seats on page 3‑6.
A(Charge Port Door): Press to
open the charge port door. See
Plug-In Charging on page 9‑48 for
more information.
Keyless Access Operation
With the keyless access system,
you can lock and unlock the doors
and access the hatch without
removing the RKE transmitter from
your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc.
The RKE transmitter should be
within 1 m (3 ft) of the door or hatch
being opened. Keyless Unlocking/Locking from
the Driver Door
When the doors are locked and the
RKE transmitter is within 1 m (3 ft) of
the driver door handle, pressing the
lock/unlock button on the driver door
handle will unlock the driver door.
If the lock/unlock button is pressed
again within five seconds, all
passenger doors will unlock.
Pressing the lock/unlock button will
cause all doors to lock if any of the
following occur:.It has been more than
five seconds since the first
lock/unlock button press.
.Two lock/unlock button presses
were used to unlock all doors.
.Any vehicle door has opened
and all doors are now closed.
The vehicle can be customized to
always unlock all doors on the first
lock/unlock button press.