🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Volt

Model Generation:

First Generation (2011-2015)

Platform:

GM Gamma II

Body Style:

5-door hatchback sedan

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Segment Descriptor:

Pioneering vehicle in the mainstream PHEV market.

Key Competitors 2012 2013:

Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, Ford C-Max Energi (introduced later), Fisker Karma (niche)

Drivetrain Philosophy:

Series-hybrid powertrain where the gasoline engine primarily acts as a generator to charge the battery, not to directly drive the wheels in most operating modes.

Unique Selling Proposition:

Ability to drive on electricity alone for a significant range (approx. 30-40 miles) before the gasoline engine engages.

Voltec System:

Chevrolet's proprietary extended-range electric vehicle propulsion system.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Years:

2012, 2013

Region:

Global (primarily North America)

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 3000+ pages (typical for factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (1.4L VVT Turbocharged), Electric Drive Unit, Battery Pack (Voltec System), Generator, Transmission (eCVT)

Chassis:

Brakes (ABS, EBD, Regenerative Braking), Steering (Electric Power Steering), Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Torsion Beam/Watt's Linkage), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Battery Management System (BMS), High Voltage Battery System, 12V Battery System, Charging System, Lighting (LED and Halogen), Audio and Infotainment Systems, Navigation, HVAC Control

Body:

Body Exterior and Interior, Doors, Glass, Seats, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts), Bumpers, Hood, Trunk

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Level Checks and Replacements (Coolant, Brake Fluid), Tire Rotation

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics Interpretation, Component Testing

Repair:

Engine Mechanical Repair, Electric Drive Unit Service, Battery Pack Service (Limited, High Voltage Safety Precautions), Transmission Service, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Body Panel Repair, Interior Trim Repair

Troubleshooting:

System-Specific Troubleshooting Guides, Common Problems and Solutions

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, including specifications, torque values, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and removal/installation instructions for nearly all vehicle components.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable for keywords and codes.

Quality:

High-resolution scans, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

LE2

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, Turbocharged, Direct Injection

Displacement:

1.4 Liters (1398 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

73.4 mm x 80.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.4:1

Horsepower Engine Only:

83 hp @ 4800 rpm

Torque Engine Only:

100 lb-ft (135 Nm) @ 3600 rpm

Electric Motor Type:

Dual Electric Motors (Primary Drive Motor, Secondary Generator/Motor)

Total System Horsepower:

149 hp (111 kW) - Combined Output (Electric Drive Motor)

Total System Torque:

380 lb-ft (515 Nm) - Combined Output (Electric Drive Motor)

Battery Type:

Lithium-ion (T-shaped pack)

Battery Capacity:

16 kWh (approx.)

Electric Range:

Approx. 35-40 miles (EPA est.)

Total Range:

Approx. 300-380 miles (with full electric charge and full gas tank)

Charging Time Level 2:

Approx. 4 hours (240V, 32A)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

9.3 gallons (35 Liters)

Recommended Octane:

87 Octane (Regular)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) - Part of the Voltec System

Optional Types:

N/A (Only eCVT offered)

Drive Modes:

All-electric (EV), Extended Range (ER), Hold (maintains battery charge), Charge (actively charges battery using engine)

Regeneration:

Aggressive regenerative braking capability integrated into the electric drive unit.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

179.1 inches (4549 mm)

Width:

70.8 inches (1798 mm)

Height:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Front Track:

61.6 inches (1565 mm)

Rear Track:

62.1 inches (1577 mm)

Ground Clearance:

4.5 inches (114 mm)

Passenger Volume:

83.7 cu ft (2.37 m³)

Seating Capacity:

4 passengers

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

10.6 cu ft (0.30 m³)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

19.4 cu ft (0.55 m³)

Curb Weight:

3750 lbs (1701 kg) - Approx.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4650 lbs (2109 kg) - Approx.

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Available

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 115 mm

Wheel Size Standard:

17-inch alloy wheels

Tire Size Standard:

P215/55R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 Stars (2013 Model Year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for 2012/2013 models)

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, and Regenerative Braking

Stability Control:

StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS)

Steering:

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Airbags:

Frontal, Side-Impact, Curtain, Knee Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point with Pretensioners and Load Limiters, LATCH child seat anchors

High Voltage Safety:

Specific safety protocols for high-voltage systems detailed in the manual.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (optional/standard depending on trim)

Features 2012:

7-inch color touchscreen, AM/FM/SiriusXM, CD player, USB port, auxiliary input, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming.

Features 2013:

Enhanced MyLink with available navigation, Pandora and Stitcher app integration, Siri Eyes Free (with compatible iPhone).

Features:

Rear vision camera (standard), optional Driver Convenience Package (includes rear park assist, heated mirrors).

Standard Connectivity:

Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary input

Advanced Connectivity:

Optional navigation, app integration (2013).

Energy Guidance:

Displays of energy flow, electric assist, battery charge status, and fuel economy.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 12 months or 7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever comes first. Also dependent on usage and oil life monitoring system.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed based on inspection or every 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed based on inspection or every 12 months/15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Coolant Replacement Engine:

First change at 150,000 miles (240,000 km), then every 75,000 miles (120,000 km) or 5 years.

Coolant Replacement Battery Cooling:

Specific interval for battery coolant, typically longer than engine coolant.

Brake Fluid Replacement:

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as indicated by the brake fluid level sensor/condition.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30, Dexos1™ Gen 2 or equivalent synthetic oil

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 19369400 or equivalent (Blue color, specific hybrid/EV coolant)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Transmission Fluid Type:

Specific Dexron® automatic transmission fluid (e.g., Dexron VI) for the eCVT unit, or a dedicated electric drive unit fluid as specified by GM.

Battery Degradation:

As with all EV/PHEV batteries, some degradation over time is expected, though the Volt's system was generally robust for its era.

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some early models experienced higher-than-expected oil consumption due to piston ring design. The manual would detail checks and potential fixes.

Charging System Faults:

Occasional reports of charging system faults, often related to the onboard charger or charge port.

Software Glitches:

Early Volts were prone to minor software glitches affecting various systems. The manual would contain software update procedures.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Electrification:

Chevrolet has a long history of innovation, including early electric vehicles and hybrids. The Volt represents a significant leap into modern electrified powertrains.

Volt Introduction:

Launched in late 2010 for the 2011 model year, the Volt was a groundbreaking product for GM and the industry.

2012 Model Year Updates:

Minor refinements, potentially software updates for the Voltec system.

2013 Model Year Updates:

Increased electric-only range to approx. 38 miles, improved charging efficiency, and some interior/exterior trim updates. Introduction of available Driver Convenience Package.

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

2011-2015 (First Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Green Car Of The Year:

Green Car Vision Award (Green Car Journal, 2011)

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Nominee (2011)

Epa Fuel Economy Ev Mode:

99 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) combined (2013)

Epa Fuel Economy Hybrid Mode:

37 MPG combined (2013)

California Air Resources Board:

Certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) in California and other CARB states.