fluid CHEVROLET VOLT 2018 User Guide

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
240 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid
0 250.
2. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0243.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0240.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0240.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View).
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0252.
7. Electric Drive Unit Fluid Cap.
8. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules)
0249.
9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0306.
11. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0262.
13. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0306.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:
.
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 0242.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
242 Vehicle Care
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil
depends on both the proper oil
specification and viscosity grade.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0335.
Specification
Ask for and use engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification.
Engine oils that have been
approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked
with the dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 245
Cooling System (Engine)
1. Engine Cooling Fans (Outof View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can
start up even when the engine is
not running and can cause injury.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down.
The vehicle should be parked on a
level surface.
The coolant level should be up to
the cold fill line. If it is not, there
might be a leak at the radiator
hoses, heater hoses, radiator, water
pump, or somewhere else in the
cooling system.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts.
They can be very hot and can
burn you. Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an
engine fire and can burn you. Fix
any leak before driving the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fans should be running. If they are not,
the vehicle needs service. Turn off
the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with GM Premix
DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0335. The coolant
requires changing at certain
intervals. See Maintenance
Schedule 0327.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0250.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such
as alcohol, can boil before the
proper coolant mixture will. With
plain water or the wrong mixture,
the engine could get too hot but
(Continued)

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
248 Vehicle Care
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the cold
fill line.
4. Replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure cap is
hand-tight and fully seated.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the
cap is properly and tightly
secured.
Cooling System (High
Voltage Battery)
During vehicle operation and also
during charging, the high voltage
battery cells in the vehicle are kept
within a normal operating
temperature range. If the high
voltage battery cell temperature
rises above the normal operating
temperature range, the battery
cooling system turns on the air
conditioning compressor and cools
the coolant until the correct battery
cell temperature is reached. If the
high voltage battery cell temperature
falls below the normal operating
temperature range, a high voltage
heater, located in the battery, heats
the coolant until the correct battery
cell temperature is reached.
During high voltage battery system
cooling, you may feel temperature
changes at the air vents due to the
extra load on the system.
What to Use
The high voltage battery coolant
reservoir in the vehicle is filled with
GM Premix DEX-COOL engine
coolant. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0335. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be
added.
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The high voltage battery coolant
reservoir is located in the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0239.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 249
1. High Voltage BatteryCoolant Reservoir
2. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the high voltage battery coolant
reservoir (1). If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is below the cold
fill line on the side of the reservoir,
there could be a leak in the cooling
system.
The high voltage battery cooling
system supports the operation of
sensitive electronics that are critical
to vehicle operation. The high voltage battery cooling
system should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules)
The power electronics and charger
modules are cooled using the same
coolant loop.
The power electronics and charger
modules in the vehicle are kept
below a maximum temperature
threshold. If the coolant temperature
rises above this temperature
threshold, the electric cooling fans
will turn on and cool the coolant
until the correct temperature is
reached.
What to Use
The power electronics and charger
modules coolant reservoir in the
vehicle is filled with GM Premix
DEX-COOL engine coolant. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0335. If using this
mixture, nothing else needs to be
added.
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The power electronics and charger
modules coolant reservoir is located
in the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0239.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
250 Vehicle Care
1. High Voltage BatteryCoolant Reservoir
2. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the power electronics coolant
reservoir (2). If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is below the cold
fill line on the side of the reservoir,
there could be a leak in the cooling
system.
The power electronics cooling
system supports the operation of
sensitive electronics. The power electronics cooling
system should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
345.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the vehicle,
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine when there
is a leak in the hybrid cooling
system. This can cause a loss of
all coolant and can damage the
system and the vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
fluid to the vehicle, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0239 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
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 can 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,

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
252 Vehicle Care
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0339.
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 if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0239 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. 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 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.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 253
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light 0116.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0335.
{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 GM approved 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. The 12-volt battery is in the
rear hatch under the load floor.
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 0348 and
High Voltage Safety Information
0 20. If an airbag has inflated, see
What Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 070.
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 or
12-volt 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 and prolong
battery life. 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.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 315
Dolly Towing from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear,
with the front wheels on the
ground, could damage the drive
unit, and front fascia. Do not tow
the vehicle from the rear with the
front wheels on the ground.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0335.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
(Continued)