fuel CHEVROLET VOLT 2014 1.G Owner's Guide

(15,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
2014 - CRC - 9/16/13
Driving and Operating 9-15
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is found on the center pillar
(B-pillar). The label shows the
gross weight capacity of the
vehicle. This is the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, andcargo. Never exceed the GVWR
for the vehicle, or the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
either the front or rear axle.
Spread out heavy loads equally
on both sides of the vehicle. See
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit”
earlier in this
section.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle. If you put things inside the
vehicle
—like suitcases, tools,
packages, or anything else —
they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)

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Driving and Operating 9-17
fuel and battery gauges. See
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle
on page 9-18.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the POWER
O
button for more than five seconds
will place the vehicle in Service
Only Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will
not be able to be driven. The
propulsion system will not start in
Service Only Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.
{Caution
Service Only Mode will discharge
the 12-volt battery. Do not use
Service Only Mode for an
extended period, or the vehicle
may not start.
STOPPING THE VEHICLE/OFF:
To turn the vehicle off, press the
POWER
Obutton with the vehicle in
P (Park). Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) will remain active until the
driver door is opened. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9-19. When turning off the
vehicle, if the vehicle is not in
P (Park), the vehicle will go to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the
message SHIFT TO PARK in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Electric Drive Unit Messages
on page 5-47. If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the vehicle
off by pressing the POWER
O
button.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake on
page 9-31.

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Driving and Operating 9-19
driver door upon entry, when the
vehicle is ready to be driven, and
when the vehicle is turned off.
The instrument cluster displays an
active fuel or battery gauge, along
with an audio startup cue, when the
vehicle is ready to be driven. This
could take up to 15 seconds at
extremely cold temperatures. The
engine will only start if needed.
If the vehicle did not start, the
instrument cluster will display a
screen with inactive fuel and battery
gauges. SeeStarting and Stopping
the Vehicle on page 9-18.
Restarting Procedure
If the vehicle must be restarted
while it is still moving, move the shift
lever to N (Neutral) and press the
POWER
Obutton twice without
pressing the brake pedal. The
propulsion system will not restart in
any other position. Computers determine when the
engine needs to run. The engine
may start, if required, when the
propulsion system is on. Some
vehicle conditions that force the
engine to run:
.There are cold ambient
temperatures.
.The hood is open or not
completely latched.
.The high voltage battery has a
low charge.
.The engine is needed to
maintain the high voltage battery
temperature.
.The engine needs to run for
maintenance.
See Maintenance Modes on
page 9-25.
A chime will sound if the driver door
is opened while the vehicle is in ON/
RUN. Always press the POWER
O
button to turn the vehicle off before
exiting.
Stopping Procedure
For information on how to turn the
vehicle off, see Power Button on
page 9-16.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
The following features will operate
for up to 10 minutes or until the
driver door is opened:
.Audio System
.Accessory Power Outlets
Power windows will operate for up
to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
Shifting Into Park
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake on
page 9-31.

(22,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
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9-22 Driving and Operating
Electric Mode
In Electric Mode, the vehicle does
not use fuel or produce tailpipe
emissions. During this primary
mode, the vehicle is powered by
electrical energy stored in the high
voltage battery. The vehicle can
operate in this mode until the
battery has reached a low charge.
There are some conditions when the
battery charge is high enough to
provide Electric Mode operation, but
the engine still runs. They are:
.Cold ambient temperatures.
.Hot or cold high voltage battery
temperatures.
.The hood being open or not
completely closed and latched.
.Certain high voltage battery fault
conditions.
.Engine Maintenance Mode or
Fuel Maintenance Mode
being run.
Extended Range Mode
When the vehicle reaches the end
of its electric range, it switches to
Extended Range Mode (ERM). In
this secondary mode, electricity is
produced by the fuel‐powered
engine. This secondary source of
electric power extends the vehicle
range. Operation will continue in
ERM until the vehicle can be
plugged in to recharge the high
voltage battery and restore
Electric Mode.
The high voltage battery will
continue to provide some power and
work together with the engine to
provide peak performance when it is
required, such as driving up a steep
incline or for high acceleration
maneuvers. The battery will not be
charged nor will electric vehicle
range be restored by the engine.In either Electric Mode or Extended
Range Mode, when the hood is
open, the engine will run without
turning off if the vehicle is on. The
high voltage battery is neither
charged nor discharged when this
occurs.
In either Electric Mode or Extended
Range Mode, if there is a high
voltage battery fault, the engine may
run without turning off to generate
needed electricity. The malfunction
indicator lamp will turn on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5-19.
Driver Selected Operating
Modes
While driving in Electric or Extended
Range Mode, additional operating
modes can be selected.

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Driving and Operating 9-25
mode transitions the vehicle to
Extended Range Mode to maintain
the battery charge reserve.
Upon exiting Hold Mode, the
reserved battery charge becomes
available again and the vehicle
returns to Electric Mode. If the
transition is from Hold Mode directly
to Mountain Mode, the electric
range displayed adjusts for the
Mountain Mode charge reserve.
Hold Mode will not change normal
vehicle acceleration or braking
performance.
Press the DRIVE MODE button to
select Hold Mode.
Press the DRIVE MODE button
again to return to Normal Mode and
it becomes active after
three seconds.
The Hold light comes on when Hold
Mode is selected. SeeHold Mode
Light on page 5-23.
Each time the vehicle is started, it
will return to Normal Mode.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 5-48 and
Service Vehicle Messages on
page 5-52.
Maintenance Modes
Engine Maintenance Mode (EMM)
EMM runs the engine to keep it in
good working condition after
approximately six weeks of no or
very limited engine operation. EMM
will force the engine to run, even if
there is a charge to power the
vehicle. When EMM is needed, the
EMM Request screen appears on
the center stack display at vehicle
start.
If Yes is selected, EMM will begin.
The engine will run for a set
amount of time without turning off.

(26,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
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9-26 Driving and Operating
During EMM, a DIC message
displays to show the
EMM percentage complete.
If No is selected, the EMM Request
screen will appear when the vehicle
is next started. The EMM request
can be delayed for only one day.
If the EMM request was delayed for
one day, EMM will automatically
start the engine at the next vehicle
start. An EMM Notification screen
will appear in the center stack
display.
If the vehicle shuts off during EMM,
it will restart the next time the
vehicle is driven. A message
displays to indicate that EMM is
active.If EMM is required and the fuel level
is low, EMM may eventually empty
the fuel tank if fuel is not added.
This will result in reduced, or no
power. An adequate fuel level must
be maintained in the vehicle to keep
it operational. See
Propulsion Power
Messages on page 5-50.
Fuel Maintenance Mode (FMM)
FMM tracks average fuel age. Old
fuel can cause engine problems.
If low engine usage causes average
fuel age to exceed approximately
one year, FMM will run the engine to
use up the old fuel. The engine will
run until enough fresh fuel is added
to bring the average fuel age into an
acceptable range. Allowing more old fuel to be used up by FMM and
adding a larger amount of fresh fuel
will maximize the length of time
before another fuel maintenance
mode is needed. During FMM the
engine may turn on and off.
When FMM is needed, the FMM
Request screen appears on the
center stack display at vehicle start.
If Yes is selected, FMM will begin.
FMM will automatically continue at
each vehicle start until fresh fuel is
added.
If No is selected, the FMM Request
screen will appear when the vehicle
is next started. The FMM request
can be delayed for only one day.

(27,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
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Driving and Operating 9-27
If the FMM request was delayed for
one day, FMM will start at the next
vehicle start and display the FMM
Notification screen on the center
stack display.
If FMM is required and the fuel level
is low, FMM may eventually empty
the fuel tank if fuel is not added.
This will result in reduced, or no
power. An adequate fuel level must
be maintained in the vehicle to keep
it operational. SeePropulsion Power
Messages on page 5-50.Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The engine is running in
Extended Range Mode in
areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
or deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park with the engine
running in Extended Range Mode
in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no
fresh air ventilation.

(29,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
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Driving and Operating 9-29
shifting from P (Park) when the
vehicle is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure
on the shift lever, then push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button
and move the shift lever into
another gear. SeeShifting out of
Park on page 9-20.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to
back up.
{Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the electric drive unit.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the electric drive unit, see
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-11. N (Neutral):
In this position, the
propulsion system does not connect
with the wheels.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If more power is
needed for passing, and the
vehicle is:
.Going less than 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
{Caution
If the vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not respond when you
go faster, and you continue to
drive the vehicle that way, you
could damage the electric drive
unit. Have the vehicle serviced
right away. L (Low):
This position reduces
vehicle speed without using the
brakes. Use L (Low) on very steep
hills, in deep snow, in mud, or in
stop-and-go traffic.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the electric drive
unit. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are stuck, do not spin the
tires. When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.

(55,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6014139) -
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Driving and Operating 9-55
The following are the minimum
requirements for circuits used to
charge this vehicle:
.120 volts/15 amps
.240 volts/20 amps
Charging equipment with a rating of
at least 240 volts/20 amps will
provide the fastest charging time
and best charging efficiency to
recharge the high voltage battery.
240 volt/40 amp circuits provide
flexibility for future vehicle charging
needs. Always follow the charging
equipment installation instructions.
Contact your dealer for more
information.
{Caution
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. When
driving in the U.S., to help keep
the engine clean and maintain
optimum vehicle performance, we
recommend TOP TIER Detergent
Gasolines. See www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent
Gasolines.
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 and
may void your vehicle warranty.
If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 91 octane or
higher, the engine needs service.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. Driving or
starting could be affected if the
incorrect fuel is used. Drive the
vehicle with the engine running until
the fuel is a half tank or less, then
refuel with the current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates,
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 and other fuels
containing more than 15% ethanol
must be used only in FlexFuel
vehicles.

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9-56 Driving and Operating
{Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines that are not
reformulated for low emissions can
contain an octane-enhancing
additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines with MMT as they can
reduce spark plug life and affect
emission control system
performance. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on. If this
occurs, see your dealer for service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should
meet ASTM specification D 4814.
Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend
against the use of gasolines
containing MMT. See
“Prohibited
Fuels" in Fuel on page 9-55.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that
meet California specifications. See
the underhood emission control
label. If this fuel is not available in
states adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting
federal specifications, but emission
control system performance might
be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle may not pass a smog-check
test. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 5-19. If this occurs,
return to your authorized dealer for
diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of
fuel used, repairs may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign
Countries
If planning to drive in countries
outside the U.S. or Canada, the
proper fuel might be hard to find.
Check regional auto club or fuel
retail brand websites for availability
in the country where driving. Never
use leaded gasoline, fuel containing
methanol, or any other fuel not
recommended. Costly repairs
caused by use of improper fuel
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline is
recommended. See
Fuel on
page 9-55.