🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Volt

Year:

2012

Body Style:

5-door hatchback

Generation Designation:

First Generation (Gen 1)

Generation Years:

2010-2015 (Global)

Vin Code:

1G2

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) / Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

Innovative Aspect:

Pioneered the EREV segment for mass production, offering extended electric-only range.

Key Competitors Early:

Limited direct competitors at launch; Nissan Leaf (BEV), Toyota Prius Plug-in (PHEV).

Powertrain Concept:

Series hybrid configuration where the gasoline engine acts solely as a generator.

Battery Technology:

Lithium-ion battery pack, offering significant electric-only range.

Aerodynamics:

Designed for optimal aerodynamic efficiency to maximize range.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Driver and Passenger Safety, Instruments and Controls, Comfort and Convenience Features, Operation Tips, Appearance Care, Taking Care of the Unexpected, Technical Information, Warranty and Customer Relations, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting safety defects (U.S.only), Cleaning, Engine compartment, Engine oil, Battery Fuel information, Air filter(s), Part numbers, Refill capacities, Lubricant specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Details on the Voltec extended-range electric powertrain, including the electric drive unit, gasoline engine generator, and battery system.

Chassis:

Information on braking system, steering, suspension, and wheels/tires.

Electrical Systems:

Covers lighting, infotainment, climate control electronics, driver information center, and power outlets.

Maintenance Procedures:

Routine checks, fluid level monitoring, tire pressure adjustments, cleaning instructions.

Operation Guidelines:

How to operate the vehicle in various modes (EV, Hybrid), charging procedures, climate control usage, infotainment system operation.

Safety Features Operation:

Proper use of seat belts, airbags, child restraints, and driver assistance features.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Guidance on common warning lights, simple diagnostic indicators, and initial steps for unexpected situations.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, maintenance, and feature utilization. Not a diagnostic or repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to digital PDF format.

Quality:

Identical to original factory manual; typically high-resolution with clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine (range extender/generator)

Displacement:

1.4 L (1398 cc)

Horsepower Engine Only:

84 hp @ 4800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Engine Oil Type Specification:

SAE 0W-20, Dexos1™ specification (per manual information)

Air Filter Part Number Example:

GM Part Number 22773943 (Example, always verify for specific vehicle)

Electric Drive Unit Power:

149 hp (111 kW)

Total System Torque:

273 lb-ft (370 Nm)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Fuel Tank Capacity:

9.3 gallons (35.2 L)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Electric Drive Unit with Planetary Gear Set

Options:

N/A (Single powertrain configuration)

Drive Modes:

EV Mode, Hold Mode, Mountain Mode, Sport Mode

Regenerative Braking:

Integrated system for energy recovery.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

170.1 inches (4321 mm)

Width:

70.7 inches (1796 mm)

Height:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.5 inches (2705 mm)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

10.6 cubic feet (300 L)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:

19.4 cubic feet (550 L)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,760 lbs (1706 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4,620 lbs (2096 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating 2012:

5-Star Overall Safety Rating (from NHTSA for 2012 model)

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control (TCS) and StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control.

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof rail airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with front pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchor system.

Battery Safety:

Advanced battery management and thermal control systems for safety.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (available depending on trim)

Features:

Touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, USB integration, audio streaming.

Navigation:

Optional navigation system

Features:

Regenerative braking, eco-driving indicators, advanced powertrain management.

Charging:

Standard 120V and 240V charging capability, onboard charging management.

Battery Monitoring:

System displays battery charge level, range estimation, and charging status.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,070 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles (12,070 km)

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 24,000 miles (38,624 km) or 24 months

Engine Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 150,000 miles (241,401 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,560 km) or 5 years.

Coolant Type:

Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or specified equivalent)

Transmission Fluid:

Specific electric drive unit fluid (refer to manual for GM P/N and type, typically not user-serviceable).

Battery Degradation:

Potential for gradual degradation of battery capacity over many years and charge cycles, typical for all EVs/PHEVs.

Thermal Management System:

Some early models had reports of issues related to the battery's thermal management system, though generally robust.

Charging Port Issues:

Occasional reports of issues with the charging port connection, though not widespread.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

General Motors (GM)

Predecessor:

No direct predecessor; the Volt was a groundbreaking new model for GM.

Successor:

Chevrolet Volt (Second Generation, 2016-2019)

Production Start Year:

2010

Production End Year:

2015

Manufacturing Location:

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year Nominations:

Recognized for its innovative technology and segment-defining nature.

Epa Fuel Economy Ev Range:

EPA estimated 35 miles (56 km) electric-only range.

Epa Combined Mpg E Gasoline:

Combined EPA estimated 60 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon equivalent) in electric mode, 37 MPG combined when using gasoline.