brake fluid CHEVROLET VOLT 2016 2.G Owners Manual

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
4 Introduction
f:Electric Parking Brake
d: Electronic Stability
Control (ESC)
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
y:Fault
g: First Responder
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
_: High Voltage
I: LATCH System Child
Restraints
[: Leaf
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
O:Power
B:Remote Vehicle Start
>: Safety Belt Reminders
g:StabiliTrak®Disable
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
i:Traction Control System (TCS)
Disable
a: Under Pressure
Q:Vehicle Ready
M: Windshield Washer Fluid

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
130 Instruments and Controls
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V.
The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
The following are the possible
messages and some information
about them.
Battery and Charging
Messages
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
vehicle has detected that the 12-volt
battery voltage has dropped and
vehicle features are being disabled.
The 12-volt battery saver system
starts reducing certain features
trying to save the charge of the
12-volt battery. Turn off unnecessary
features to allow the battery to
recharge.
CHARGE CORD CONNECTED
This message displays when the
charge cord is connected to the
vehicle. The vehicle cannot be
shifted out of P (Park) with the
charge cord connected.
CHARGE DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the
charge door is open and the vehicle
is shifted out of P (Park). The
charge door should be kept fully
closed when the vehicle is not
charging.
LOW BATTERY
This message displays when the
12-volt battery voltage is low. See
Battery - North America 0245.
SERVICE BATTERY
CHARGING SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a fault in the 12-volt battery
charging system. See your dealer
for service.
SERVICE HIGH VOLTAGE
CHARGING SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the high voltage
charging system. See your dealer
for service.
Brake System Messages
BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message displays when the
brake fluid level is low. See Brake
Fluid 0243.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
164 Driving and Operating
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 underService Vehicle
Messages 0136. 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
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
166 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape. .
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0261.
. Turn off cruise control.
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 0177.
Tips 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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
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.
. Drive at speeds to keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills.
Something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 225
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 226
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 226
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Lifting the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 234
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 235
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . 236
Cooling System (High Voltage Battery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Cooling System (Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 242
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Battery - North America . . . . . . 245
Electric Drive Unit Shift Lock
Control Function Check . . . . . 247
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 248
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Taillamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 250
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Electrical System Overload . . . 252
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
232 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 242.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0235.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0232.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0232.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
(Engine) 0236 orCooling
System (High Voltage Battery)
0 237 orCooling System
(Power Electronics and
Charger Modules) 0238.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
0 243.
7. Electric Drive Unit Fluid Cap.
8. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 236 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0237 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0238. 9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank
and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0239.
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0295.
11. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System (Engine)
0 236 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0237 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0238.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0252.
13. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0295.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment: .
Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0234.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 231 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level
reading is essential:

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 243
Caution (Continued)
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
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 when 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.
Caution
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. See Capacities and
Specifications 0328.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 231 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
244 Vehicle Care
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0110.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0315.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0231.
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the brake fluid
reservoir. 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
brake fluid level is in the proper
operating range, between the MIN
and MAX marks.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0324.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
Vehicle Care 245
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
See
“If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0338 and
High Voltage Safety Information
0 19. If an airbag has inflated, see
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 067.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if the high voltage battery
needs service. The dealer has
information on how to recycle the
high voltage battery. There is also
information available at http://
www.recyclemybattery.com. Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the high
voltage battery temperature ready
for the next drive. This is important
when outside temperatures are
extremely hot or cold.
A vehicle cover, which can reduce
sun loading on the vehicle and
improve high voltage battery life, is
available from your dealer.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed. The vehicle has an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts. Follow the charger
manufacturer's instructions.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada/Mexico-
9159388) - 2016 - crc - 5/20/15
308 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect other brake parts,
including drums, wheel cylinders,
calipers, parking brake, master
cylinder, brake fluid reservoir,
vacuum pipes, electric vacuum
pump including bracket and vent
hose, if equipped.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, hatch/liftgate hinges,
and the steel fuel door hinge unless
the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.