battery CHEVROLET VOLT 2012 1.G Workshop Manual

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-26 Driving and Operating
If in Sport or Mountain Mode, either
may become unavailable and the
vehicle will return to Normal Mode.
The indicator light goes off and a
DIC message displays. See
Propulsion Power Messages on
page 5‑52.
Sport Mode
Sport Mode provides more
responsive acceleration than
Normal Mode, but can reduce
efficiency. Use Normal Mode
whenever possible.
Press the DRIVE MODE button to
select Sport Mode.Press the DRIVE MODE button
again to return to Normal Mode and
it becomes active after
three seconds.
The Sport light comes on when
Sport Mode is selected. See
Sport
Mode Light on page 5‑24.
Each time the vehicle is started, it
will return to Normal Mode.
Mountain Mode
Mountain Mode should be selected
at the beginning of a trip before
climbing steep, uphill grades and
when expecting to drive in very hilly
or mountainous terrain. This mode
maintains a reserve electrical
charge of the high voltage battery to provide better grade climbing
performance. While driving in
Mountain Mode, the vehicle will
have less responsive acceleration.
Mountain Mode will not change
normal vehicle braking performance
for steep downhill grades. See
Hill
and Mountain Roads on page 9‑9
and Electric Drive Unit on
page 9‑31.
Press the DRIVE MODE button to
select Mountain Mode. If steep hill
driving is expected, it is
recommended to select Mountain
Mode at least 20 minutes before
driving on steep grades. This will
allow the vehicle time to build a
sufficient battery charge reserve.
If Mountain Mode is not selected for
these conditions, propulsion power
may be reduced and the engine
speed may increase. See
Propulsion Power Messages on
page 5‑52.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-27
The engine may run when Mountain
Mode is selected, depending on
high voltage battery charge, to build
reserve battery charge for uphill
climbs. If Mountain Mode is entered
with a sufficient battery charge
reserve, the estimated electric range
will adjust accordingly and any
battery charge reserve still unused
upon exiting Mountain Mode will be
added back to the electric range
display.
Press the Drive Mode button again
to return to Normal Mode and it
becomes active after three seconds.
The Mountain light comes on when
Mountain Mode is selected. See
Mountain Mode Light on page 5‑24.
Each time the vehicle is started, it
will return to Normal Mode to
maintain a smaller battery charge
reserve for normal driving.Out of Fuel/Engine
Unavailable
If the vehicle runs out of fuel, or the
engine will not start due to a
malfunction, the vehicle can
continue to be driven in Electric
Mode. The vehicle will have less
responsive acceleration. DIC
messages indicate reduced
propulsion power, that the engine is
not available, and the need for fuel
or service.Once the vehicle is refueled, or the
malfunction is corrected, the engine
will start the next time the vehicle is
turned on to perform a self test, and
DIC messages will not be displayed.
Once the engine starts successfully,
normal operation will continue in
either Electric or Extended Range
Mode. The engine will stop running
after the self test is completed, and
based on the current mode of
operation. See
Fuel System
Messages on page 5‑50 and
Service Vehicle Messages on
page 5‑54.

Black plate (34,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-34 Driving and Operating
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The
Yswitch is on
the center stack. The EPB can
always be activated, even if the
vehicle is off. To prevent draining
the 12‐volt battery, avoid repeated
cycles of the EPB system when the
vehicle is off. In case of insufficient electrical
power, the EPB cannot be applied
or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the Electric Parking Brake Light to
ensure the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
The EPB can be applied anytime
the vehicle is stopped. The EPB is
applied by momentarily lifting up on
the
Yswitch. Once fully applied,
the Electric Parking Brake Light will
be on. While the brake is being
applied, the Electric Parking Brake
Light will flash until full apply is
reached. If the light does not come
on, or remains flashing, have the
vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the Electric Parking Brake
Light is flashing. See your dealer. If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is in motion, a chime will
sound, and the DIC message
RELEASE PARKING BRAKE will be
displayed. The vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held in the up position. Releasing
the
Yswitch during the
deceleration will release the parking
brake. If the
Yswitch is held in
the up position until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will
remain applied.
If the Electric Parking Brake Light
flashes continuously, the EPB is
only partially applied or released,
or there is a problem with the EPB.
The DIC message SERVICE
PARKING BRAKE will be displayed.
If this light flashes continuously,
release the EPB, and attempt to
apply it again. If this light continues
to flash, do not drive the vehicle.
See your dealer.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-36 Driving and Operating
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.
The hydraulic disc brakes work with
the regenerative braking to ensure
effective braking, such as when a
high braking demand is requested.
The braking system is computer
controlled and blends the
regenerative braking with the
conventional hydraulic disc brakes
to meet any requirements for
deceleration. The controllerinterprets the braking request and
uses regenerative braking,
conventional hydraulic braking, or a
combination of both as necessary.
Because the controller applies the
hydraulic brakes through its high
pressure accumulator, you may
occasionally hear the motor‐driven
pump when it recharges the system.
This is normal.
See
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators on page 5‑8 andDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑45. In the event of a
controller problem, the brake pedal
may be harder to push and the
stopping distance may be longer.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel spin.
The system operates if it senses
that one or both of the drive wheels
are slipping or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the
system brakes the spinning wheel(s)
and/or reduces power to limit
wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working, but this is
normal.
To assist with directional control of
the vehicle, TCS automatically
comes on whenever the vehicle is
turned on. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road
conditions, the system should
always be left on. But, TCS can be
turned off if needed.

Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-48 Driving and Operating
When the System Does Not
Seem To Work Properly
The RVC system may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.The RVC is turned off. See
“Turning the Rear Vision Camera
System On or Off”earlier in this
section.
.It is dark.
.The sun or the beam of
headlamps is shining directly
into the camera lens.
.Ice, snow, mud, or anything else
has built up on the camera lens.
Clean the lens, rinse it with
water, and wipe it with a soft
cloth.
.The back of the vehicle was in
an accident. The position and
mounting angle of the camera
can change or the camera can
be affected. Be sure to have the
camera and its position and
mounting angle checked at your
dealer.
Charging
Plug-In Charging
This section explains the process
for charging the vehicle's high
voltage battery. Do not allow the
vehicle to remain in temperature
extremes for long periods without
being driven or plugged in. It is
recommended that the vehicle be
plugged in when temperatures are
below 0°C (32°F) and above 32°C
(90°F) to maximize high voltage
battery life. The charging system may run fans
and pumps that result in sounds
from the vehicle while it is turned
off. Additional unexpected clicking
sounds may be caused by the
electrical devices used while
charging.
While the charge cord is plugged
into the vehicle, the vehicle cannot
be driven.

Black plate (49,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-49
Charging
Start Charge
1. The charge port door releasebutton is on the driver door inner
trim panel. With the vehicle in
P (Park), press the button for
one second and release to open
the charge port door. The charge
port door can also be opened
using the RKE transmitter. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2‑3. In cold weather conditions, ice
may form around the charge port
door. The charge port door may
not open on the first attempt.
Remove ice from the area and
repeat attempting to open the
charge port door.
2. Open the rear hatch, lift the load
support floor covering (A), and
remove the charge cord (D). It is
located near the tire sealant and
compressor kit (C). Pull up on
the charge cord handle (D) to
release it from the handle
clip (E). Lift the charge cord up and
rearward to remove it from the
vehicle. The vehicle plug (B) is
stored as shown.
3. Plug the charge cord into the electrical outlet. See Electrical
Requirements for Battery
Charging on page 9‑58. Verify
that the charge cord status
indicators are both green. See
Charge Cord on page 9‑55.
Select the appropriate charge
level. On some models, charge
level selection can be made
using the Select Charge Level
Preference screen on the center
stack. See “Charge Level
Selection” underCharging on
page 5‑32. On some models,
charge level selection can be
made using the charge level
button on the charge cord. See
“Charge Level Button” under
Charge Cord on page 9‑55.

Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-52 Driving and Operating
Charging Status
Feedback
The vehicle has a Charging Status
Indicator (CSI) at the center of the
instrument panel near the
windshield. When the vehicle is
plugged in and the vehicle power is
off, the CSI indicates the following:
.Solid Green–Vehicle is plugged
in. Battery is not fully charged.
Battery is charging.
.Long Flashing Green –Vehicle
is plugged in. Battery is not fully
charged. Battery charging is
delayed.
.Short Flashing Green –Vehicle
is plugged in. Battery is fully
charged.
.Solid Yellow –Vehicle is plugged
in. It is normal for the CSI to turn
yellow for a few seconds after
plugging in a compatible charge
cord. The solid yellow may be
extended depending on the
vehicle and if there is a total
utility interruption via OnStar.
See “Utility Interruption of
Charging” later in this section.
This may also indicate that the
charging system has detected a
fault and will not charge the
battery. See “Charge Cord
Status Indicators” later in this
section. The system may be thermally
conditioning the battery during any
of the states above, requiring
electrical energy to be transferred to
the vehicle.
If the vehicle is plugged in and
vehicle power is on, the CSI will be
on solid green. The same is true
during a remote start if the vehicle is
plugged in.
If the vehicle is plugged in and the
CSI is off, a total utility interruption
using OnStar or a charging fault has
been detected. See
“Utility
Interruption of Charging” or“Charge
Cord Status Indicators” later in this
section.
This chart indicates vehicle
feedback when the charge cord is
plugged in.

Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-55
Charge Cord
SeeRadio 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.
A. Charge Level Button
B. Charge Level Indicators
C. Charge Cord Status Indicators
D. Vehicle Plug
E. Wall Plug A portable charge cord used to
charge the vehicle high voltage
battery is stored under the rear
luggage compartment.
{WARNING
There is a risk of electric shock
that may cause personal injury or
death. Do not use the charge
cord if any part of the charge cord
is damaged. Do not open or
remove the charge cord cover.
Service by qualified personnel
only. Connect the charge cord to
a properly grounded outlet with
cords that are not damaged.
The charge cord used to charge the
vehicle is a high‐powered electrical
device. During normal operation, the
AC wall plug of the charge cord may
feel warm. The AC wall plug must fit
tightly into an AC outlet that is in
good condition.
{WARNING
Using the charge cord with a
worn or damaged AC outlet may
cause burns or start a fire.
Periodically, check the AC wall
plug and charge cord while the
vehicle is charging. If the AC wall
plug feels hot, unplug the charge
cord and have the AC outlet
replaced by a qualified electrician.
Replace the charge cord if the AC
wall plug or cord are damaged.
Do not use an AC outlet that is
worn or damaged.

Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
9-58 Driving and Operating
Utility Interruption of
Charging
For participating customers, this
vehicle will respond to remote
requests via OnStar to limit or
completely block electrical power
grid usage for brief time periods.
A utility interruption of charging may
increase vehicle charge time.
When electrical grid power is
completely blocked, the vehicle will
delay charging until the utility
interruption has expired. The vehicle
should be left plugged in so that,
when the utility interruption expires,
the vehicle can automatically begin
charging.
Changing the charge mode to
Immediate or performing a delayed
charging override will not disable a
utility interruption.A pop‐up will be displayed in the
center stack display during the key
cycle following any utility
interruption. See
“Charge Override/
Interruption Pop‐up” underCharging
on page 5‑32.
Text will be displayed on the
instrument cluster notifying the
customer that a utility interruption
has occurred. See Instrument
Cluster on page 5‑9.
Electrical Requirements
for Battery Charging
The AC outlet must have a
grounded, dedicated, 15 amp or
greater, three‐prong wall plug. That
means there should be no other
major appliances connected to the
same circuit. If it is not a dedicated
circuit, the current rating of the
outlet circuit breaker could be
exceeded and cause it to trip or
open. The vehicle can be charged in
the reduced level mode. See
“Charge Level Button” in thissection. Reduced level mode allows
a non‐dedicated circuit to be used
but increases the charging time.
This vehicle is capable of being
charged with standard vehicle
charging equipment complying to:
.SAE J1772™
.IEC 61851‐1
.IEC 61851‐22
.IEC 62196‐1
.IEC 62196‐2
The following are the minimum
requirements for circuits used to
charge this vehicle:
.120V/15Amp
.240V/20Amp

Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-59
Charging equipment with a rating of
at least 240V/20Amp will provide
the fastest charging time to
recharge the high voltage battery.
240V/40Amp circuits provide
flexibility for future vehicle charging
needs. Contact your dealer for more
information.
Do not use non‐grounded electrical
plug adapters.
Notice:Do not use portable or
stationary backup generating
equipment to charge the vehicle.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle's charging system. Only
charge the vehicle from utility
supplied power.Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an
important part of the proper
maintenance of this vehicle. To help
keep the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend the use of gasoline
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the
fuel pump to ensure gasoline meets
enhanced detergency standards
developed by auto companies. A list
of marketers providing TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline can be found at
www.toptiergas.com.
Use premium unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 91 or
higher. If the octane is less than 91,
you could damage the engine.
If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.