It might be a while before you see a 2011 Chevrolet Volt at your facility but it helps to be prepared for when it will finally show up. The Volt still uses an oil lubricated motor that requires an oil and filter change. It also continues to use radiator coolant (DEX COOL), brake fluid (DOT 3), washer fluid, and automatic transmission fluid (DEXRON VI). It also will require air filter and wiper blade changes. Simply put – it’s no different than any other vehicle you are servicing today.
The major difference is you may not be seeing a Volt customer that often. At this point GM recommends the oil filter to be inspected every 24000km/15000mi for corrosion and if it is corroded to perform an oil change. However, the Volt under normal operating conditions will require an oil change when the Change Engine Oil Soon message appears or every 24 months (whichever comes first). The engine does require the use of Dexos approved oil. If this is not available than any API 5W30 oil will suffice. Based on the service intervals of up to 24 months it might be a good idea to use a Dexos or equivalent synthetic oil. GM does not recommend the use of engine additives or flushes. It is recommended the vehicle owner inspect the oil on a monthly basis and top up as required. There might be an opportunity to educate these owners that even though their vehicle may require minimal maintenance it still requires a monthly inspection of fluids, tires (rotate every 12000km/7500mi), and wipers. The air filter will require its first service at 80000km/50000mi or more frequently in extreme conditions i.e. dusty.

Hopefully you and your staff will be better prepared to handle one of these vehicles in the near future. It will also present a great opportunity to educate these customers to still pop in every 3 months to have fluids and tire pressures inspected.

Reset Change Engine Oil Light
1. Turn the ignition to run (one position before starting engine).
2. Access the DIC (driver information centre) to the left of the steering wheel by rotating the SELECT dial until OIL LIFE is highlighted. Depress the SELECT knob.
3. “Are you sure that you want to reset?” will be displayed. Rotate the SELECT knob to YES and depress SELECT knob.
4. The DIC will now display RESET OIL LIFE followed by 100% OIL LIFE.
5. Turn the ignition off and then start the engine to verify the indicator has been reset.

Article first published as How to Service Chevrolet Volt and Reset the Change Oil Light on Technorati.