service CHEVROLET VOLT 2015 2.G Service Manual

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
9-6 Driving and Operating
still be some power brake assist but
it will be used when the brake is
applied. Once the power assist is
used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Service Vehicle
Messages on page 5-48. See your
dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
.Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
Off-Road Recovery

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-9
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. See
“Mountain Mode”underDriver
Selected Operating Modes on
page 9-22. Tips for driving in these
conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
electric drive unit.
.Keep the vehicle in gear when
going down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the vehicle turned off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to slow the vehicle enough to
maintain speed and control. You
could crash. Always have the
vehicle running and in gear
(preferably LOW range) when
going downhill. This will allow the
electric drive unit to assist in
slowing and maintaining speed.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C
(32°F) when freezing rain begins to
fall, resulting in even less traction.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in
freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction.
If equipped, Traction Control should
be turned on. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control on
page 9-33.

Black plate (17,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
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 5-44. 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.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-21
electric drive unit to be locked in
P (Park) until the propulsion system
has warmed sufficiently.
The shift lock is always functional
except in the case of an uncharged
or low charged 12-volt battery (less
than 9 volts).
If the vehicle has an uncharged
12-volt battery or a 12-volt battery
with low voltage, try charging or
jump starting the 12-volt battery.
SeeBattery on page 10-23 orJump
Starting on page 10-69.
If the console shift lever cannot be
moved out of P (Park):
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the vehicle on using the POWER
Obutton. See Power
Button on page 9-16.
3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is
pushed all the way into P (Park).
4. Press the shift lever button. 5. Move the shift lever into the
desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift
lever from P (Park), see your dealer
or a professional towing service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Electric Vehicle
Operating Modes
System Operation
This vehicle is an Extended Range
Electric Vehicle (EREV). It uses an
electric propulsion system to drive
the vehicle at all times. Electricity is
the vehicle's primary source of
energy, while gasoline is the
secondary source.
The vehicle has two modes of
operation: Electric and Extended
Range. In both modes, the vehicle
is propelled by its electric drive unit.
It converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy to drive the
wheels. The vehicle's performance
remains the same in either mode.
See Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency on page 9-2.

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
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 5-21.
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 5-44 and
Service Vehicle Messages on
page 5-48.
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. During

Black plate (29,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
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.

Black plate (31,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-31
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The switch 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.
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. SeeElectric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-19
and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light on page 5-20. There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
See
Brake System Messages on
page 5-43. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light
will flash and then stay on once the
EPB is fully applied. If the red
parking brake status light flashes
continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the red
parking brake status light is flashing.
See your dealer. See
Electric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-19.
If the amber parking brake warning
light is on, lift up on the EPB switch
and hold it up. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber
parking brake warning light is on,
see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held up. If the switch is held up until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, the rear
wheels should be blocked to
prevent vehicle movement.

Black plate (39,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will
display amber when you are
following a detected vehicle ahead
much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press
[
COLLISION ALERT to set the FCA
timing to far, medium, near, or off.
The first button press shows the
current control setting on the DIC.
Additional button presses will
change this setting. The chosen
setting will remain until it is changed
and will affect the timing of both the
Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed,the farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert
timing may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Following Distance Indication
The following distance to a moving
vehicle you are following is
indicated in following time in
seconds on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See
Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-39. The minimum following
time is 0.5 seconds away. If there is
no vehicle detected ahead, or the
vehicle ahead is out of sensor
range, dashes will be displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary
alerts for turning vehicles, vehicles
in other lanes, objects that are not
vehicles, or shadows. These alerts
are normal operation and the
vehicle does not need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, cleaning the
outside of the windshield in front of
the camera sensor on the back of
the rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
Parking Assist
If available, the Front and Rear
Parking Assist (FRPA) or Rear
Parking Assist (RPA) system assists
the driver with parking and avoiding
objects. At speeds less than 8 km/h
(5 mph), the system detects objects
up to 2.5 m (8 ft) behind the vehicle,
and at least 25 cm (10 in) off the
ground. If the vehicle has the FRPA
system, it detects objects up to
1.2 m (4 ft) in front of the vehicle,
and at least 25 cm (10 in) off the
ground. This distance may be less
during warmer or humid weather.

Black plate (41,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-41
The indicator light next to the park
assist button lights up when the
system is active.
When the system is turned off or
when there is a temporary condition
causing the system to be disabled,
PARK ASSIST OFF displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). The
message disappears after a short
period of time.
The system defaults to the on
setting each time the vehicle is
started.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The following messages may be
displayed on the DIC:
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST:If
this message occurs, check the
following conditions:
.The sensors are not clean. Keep
the vehicle's bumpers free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush.
For cleaning instructions, see
Exterior Care on page 10-79.
.The park assist sensors are
covered by frost or ice. Frost or
ice can form around and behind
the sensors and may not always
be seen; this can occur after
washing the vehicle in cold
weather. The message may not
clear until the frost or ice has
melted.
If the above conditions do not exist,
take the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system. PARK ASSIST OFF:
If the system
does not activate due to a
temporary condition, the message
displays on the DIC. This can occur
under the following conditions:
.The driver has disabled the
system.
.An object was hanging out of the
hatch during the last drive cycle.
Once the object is removed, the
system will return to normal
operation.
.An object or cover is attached to
the front of the vehicle.
.The bumper is damaged. Take
the vehicle to your dealer to
repair the system.
.Other conditions, such as
vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on
a very large truck, are affecting
system performance.

Black plate (43,1)Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695131) -
2015 - crc - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-43
Rear Vision Camera Error
Messages
SERVICE REAR VISION CAMERA
SYSTEM:If this message appears
in the infotainment display, the
system may need service.
If any other problem occurs or if a
problem persists, see your dealer.
Rear Vision Camera Location
The RVC is located above the
license plate.
The area displayed by the camera is
limited. It does not display objects that are
close to either corner or under the
bumper and can vary depending on
vehicle orientation or road
conditions. Displayed images may
be farther or closer than they
appear.
The following illustrations show the
field of view that the camera
provides.1. View displayed by the
camera.
1. View displayed by the
camera.
2. Corner of the rear bumper.
When the System Does Not
Seem To Work Properly
The RVC system may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.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.