2012 Chevrolet Volt Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Chevrolet
Model:
Volt
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Start
11
Door Locks
11
Windows
13
Seat Adjustment
14
Heated Seats
15
Head Restraint Adjustment
16
Safety Belts
17
Passenger Sensing System
17
Mirror Adjustment
17
Steering Wheel Adjustment
18
Interior Lighting
19
Exterior Lighting
20
Windshield Wiper/Washer
20
Climate Controls
21
Vehicle Features
23
Radio(s)
23
Satellite Radio
24
Portable Audio Devices
24
Bluetooth®
24
Steering Wheel Controls
24
Cruise Control
25
Navigation System
25
Power Outlets
26
Battery and Efficiency
26
High Voltage Safety Information
26
Charging
27
Fueling
29
Total Vehicle Range
30
Regenerative Braking
30
Service
31
Performance and Maintenance
31
Traction Control System (TCS)
31
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
31
Tire Pressure Monitor
32
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
32
Engine Oil Life System
32
Driving for Better Energy Efficiency
33
Roadside Assistance Program
35
OnStar®
35
Keys, Doors, and Windows
37
Keys and Locks
37
Keys
37
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
38
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
38
Remote Start
43
Door Locks
46
Power Door Locks
47
Delayed Locking
47
Automatic Door Locks
48
Lockout Protection
48
Safety Locks
48
Doors
49
Hatch
49
Vehicle Security
50
Anti-theft Alarm System
50
Immobilizer
51
Immobilizer Operation
51
Exterior Mirrors
52
Convex Mirrors
52
Power Mirrors
52
Folding Mirrors
52
Heated Mirrors
52
Interior Mirrors
53
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
53
Windows
53
Power Windows
54
Sun Visors
56
Seats and Restraints
57
Head Restraints
58
Front Seats
60
Seat Adjustment
60
Reclining Seatbacks
61
Heated Front Seats
63
Rear Seats
64
Safety Belts
67
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
68
Lap-Shoulder Belt
69
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
73
Safety Belt Extender
73
Safety System Check
73
Safety Belt Care
74
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
74
Airbag System
75
Where Are the Airbags?
77
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
78
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
79
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
80
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
80
Passenger Sensing System
82
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
86
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
87
Airbag System Check
87
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
88
Child Restraints
88
Older Children
88
Infants and Young Children
91
Child Restraint Systems
93
Where to Put the Restraint
95
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
97
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
103
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
104
Securing Child Restraints (Front Passenger Seat)
106
Storage
111
Storage Compartments
111
Instrument Panel Storage
111
Glove Box
111
Floor Console Storage
111
Umbrella Storage
112
Additional Storage Features
112
Cargo Cover
112
Instruments and Controls
113
Instrument Panel Overview
116
Controls
118
Steering Wheel Adjustment
118
Steering Wheel Controls
118
Horn
119
Pedestrian Friendly Alert
119
Windshield Wiper/Washer
119
Power Outlets
121
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
121
Instrument Cluster
122
Speedometer
126
Odometer
126
Trip Odometer
127
Compass
127
Battery Gauge (High Voltage)
127
Fuel Gauge
127
Driver Efficiency Gauge
128
Total Vehicle Range
128
Safety Belt Reminders
128
Airbag Readiness Light
129
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
130
Charging System Light (12-Volt Battery)
131
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
131
Brake System Warning Light
134
Electric Parking Brake Light
134
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
134
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
135
Sport Mode Light
135
Mountain Mode Light
135
Traction Off Light
136
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
136
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
136
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
137
Tire Pressure Light
137
Engine Oil Pressure Light
138
Low Fuel Warning Light
138
Security Light
139
Vehicle Ready Light
139
High-Beam On Light
139
Lamps On Reminder
139
Cruise Control Light
139
Door, Hood, or Hatch Open Light
140
Information Displays
141
Center Stack Display
141
Power Flows
141
Charging
143
Energy Information
153
Clock
154
Driver Information Center (DIC)
155
Vehicle Messages
157
Battery and Charging Messages
157
Brake System Messages
158
Cruise Control Messages
158
Door Ajar Messages
158
Drive Mode Messages
158
Electric Drive Unit Messages
159
Engine Cooling System Messages
159
Engine Oil Messages
159
Fuel System Messages
160
Key and Lock Messages
160
Lamp Messages
161
Object Detection System Messages
161
Propulsion Power Messages
162
Ride Control System Messages
162
Airbag System Messages
163
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
163
Service Vehicle Messages
163
Starting the Vehicle Messages
164
Tire Messages
164
Vehicle Reminder Messages
165
Vehicle Speed Messages
165
Washer Fluid Messages
165
Vehicle Personalization
165
Universal Remote System
174
Universal Remote System Programming
174
Universal Remote System Operation
177
Lighting
179
Exterior Lighting
179
Exterior Lamp Controls
179
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
180
Flash-to-Pass
180
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
180
Hazard Warning Flashers
181
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
181
Interior Lighting
182
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
182
Dome Lamps
182
Reading Lamps
183
Lighting Features
183
Entry Lighting
183
Exit Lighting
184
Battery Power Protection
184
Infotainment System
185
Introduction
185
Infotainment
185
Theft-Deterrent Feature
186
Overview
186
Radio
191
AM-FM Radio
191
Satellite Radio
193
Radio Reception
195
Multi-Band Antenna
196
Audio Players
196
CD Player
196
MP3
198
Auxiliary Devices
199
Phone
204
Bluetooth (Overview)
204
Bluetooth (Infotainment Controls)
205
Bluetooth (Voice Recognition)
209
Trademarks and License Agreements
215
Automatic Climate Control System
219
Air Vents
226
Driving and Operating
227
Driving Information
228
Driving for Better Energy Efficiency
228
Distracted Driving
230
Defensive Driving
231
Drunk Driving
231
Control of a Vehicle
231
Braking
231
Steering
232
Off-Road Recovery
232
Loss of Control
233
Driving on Wet Roads
234
Highway Hypnosis
234
Hill and Mountain Roads
235
Winter Driving
235
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
237
Vehicle Load Limits
237
Starting and Operating
242
New Vehicle Break-In
242
Power Button
242
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle
243
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
245
Shifting Into Park
245
Shifting out of Park
246
Parking over Things That Burn
247
Electric Vehicle Operating Modes
247
System Operation
247
Electric Mode
247
Extended Range Mode
248
Driver Selected Operating Modes
248
Out of Fuel/Engine Unavailable
250
Maintenance Modes
250
Engine Exhaust
252
Running the Vehicle While Parked
253
Electric Drive Unit
254
Brakes
255
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
255
Electric Parking Brake
256
Regenerative Braking
258
Ride Control Systems
259
Traction Control System (TCS)
259
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
260
Cruise Control
262
Object Detection Systems
264
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
264
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
267
Charging
270
Plug-In Charging
270
Delayed Charging Override
272
Charging Status Feedback
273
Charge Cord
276
Utility Interruption of Charging
278
Electrical Requirements for Battery Charging
278
Fuel
279
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
280
California Fuel Requirements
280
Fuels in Foreign Countries
280
Fuel Additives
280
Filling the Tank
282
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
283
Towing
284
General Towing Information
284
Conversions and Add-Ons
284
Add-On Electrical Equipment
284
Vehicle Care
285
General Information
286
California Proposition 65 Warning
286
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
287
Accessories and Modifications
287
Lifting the Vehicle
287
Vehicle Checks
290
Doing Your Own Service Work
290
Hood
291
Engine Compartment Overview
292
Engine Oil
293
Engine Oil Life System
296
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
296
Cooling System (Engine)
298
Cooling System (High Voltage Battery)
299
Cooling System (Power Electronics and Charger Modules)
300
Engine Coolant
300
Engine Overheating
303
Washer Fluid
303
Brakes
304
Brake Fluid
305
Battery
307
Electric Drive Unit Shift Lock Control Function Check
308
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
309
Wiper Blade Replacement
309
Headlamp Aiming
310
Bulb Replacement
310
Halogen Bulbs
310
LED Lighting
310
Headlamps
311
Back-Up Lamps
312
License Plate Lamp
312
Replacement Bulbs
313
Electrical System
314
High Voltage Devices and Wiring
314
Electrical System Overload
314
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
315
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left Side)
318
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right Side)
320
Rear Compartment Fuse Block
322
Wheels and Tires
324
Tires
324
Winter Tires
324
Tire Sidewall Labeling
325
Tire Designations
326
Tire Terminology and Definitions
327
Tire Pressure
330
Tire Pressure Monitor System
331
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
332
Tire Inspection
335
Tire Rotation
336
When It Is Time for New Tires
337
Buying New Tires
338
Different Size Tires and Wheels
339
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
339
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
341
Wheel Replacement
341
Tire Chains
342
If a Tire Goes Flat
343
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
344
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
351
Jump Starting
352
Towing
357
Towing the Vehicle
357
Recreational Vehicle Towing
360
Appearance Care
362
Exterior Care
362
Interior Care
365
Cleaning the Center Stack
367
Floor Mats
368
Service and Maintenance
369
General Information
369
Maintenance Schedule
371
Special Application Services
376
Additional Maintenance and Care
376
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
380
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
380
Maintenance Replacement Parts
381
Maintenance Records
382
Technical Data
385
Vehicle Identification
385
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
385
Service Parts Identification Label
385
Vehicle Data
386
Capacities and Specifications
386
Engine Drive Belt Routing
387
Customer Information
389
Customer Information
389
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
389
Customer Assistance Offices
391
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users
392
Online Owner Center
392
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program
393
Roadside Assistance Program
394
Scheduling Service Appointments
396
Courtesy Transportation Program
396
Collision Damage Repair
398
Service Publications Ordering Information
400
Open Source Information
401
Reporting Safety Defects
401
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
401
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
402
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
402
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
403
Event Data Recorders
403
OnStar®
404
Navigation System
404
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
404
Radio Frequency Statement
404
OnStar
405
OnStar Overview
405
OnStar Services
406
Emergency
406
Security
406
Navigation
406
Connections
408
Diagnostics
409
OnStar Additional Information
409
Index
413
Index_A
413
Index_B
413
Index_C
414
Index_D
415
Index_E
416
Index_F
416
Index_G
417
Index_H
417
Index_I
418
Index_J
418
Index_K
418
Index_L
418
Index_M
419
Index_N
420
Index_O
420
Index_P
420
Index_R
421
Index_S
422
Index_T
423
Index_U
423
Index_V
423
Index_W
424
2012 Chevrolet Volt Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Chevrolet Volt represents a remarkable leap forward in automotive technology, combining electric efficiency with the versatility of a gasoline engine. As one of the pioneering models in the realm of plug-in hybrids, the Volt is designed for eco-conscious drivers who desire a blend of innovation and practicality. With its distinct styling and advanced electric propulsion, it caters perfectly to urban commuters and those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing performance.
Powertrains
At the heart of the 2012 Chevrolet Volt lies a sophisticated powertrain featuring a 149-horsepower electric motor paired with a lithium-ion battery pack. The Volt can drive an impressive 35 to 40 miles on a single electric charge, making it ideal for daily commuting. Once the battery is depleted, a 1.4-liter gasoline engine seamlessly engages, acting as a generator to extend the vehicle's range up to 380 miles. This ingenious design allows drivers to enjoy the benefits of electric driving while retaining the convenience of gasoline.
Trims
The 2012 Volt is available in two well-equipped trims: Base and Premium. The Base trim includes essential features such as keyless entry, a touchscreen interface, and Bluetooth connectivity. In contrast, the Premium trim adds luxury touches like leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and a navigation unit, enhancing both comfort and technology for an elevated driving experience.
Features
In addition to its innovative powertrain, the Chevy Volt comes loaded with numerous tech-savvy features. A standard touchscreen display facilitates easy access to various audio and smartphone integration options, while the regenerative braking system enhances efficiency. Safety is paramount, and the Volt incorporates advanced airbags, stability control, and a rearview camera to ensure peace of mind on the road.
Owner's Manual
To maximize the driving experience, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt comes with a comprehensive owner’s manual. This manual provides essential information regarding vehicle operations, maintenance schedules, troubleshooting tips, and detailed explanations of all available features. It serves as an invaluable resource, aiding owners in navigating their Volt’s hybrid system and ensuring optimal performance throughout ownership.
User manual download
The Chevrolet Volt owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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