2016 Chevrolet Volt
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Chevrolet Volt.
For oil changes, the 2016 Chevrolet Volt takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4.2 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is GM CVT Fluid. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Chevrolet Volt, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt have reported 5 common issues including "Shift to Park Warning Malfunction", "12V Auxiliary Battery Drain and Failure" and "Engine Mount Deterioration Causing Vibration". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (4.2 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.
Common problems reported by 2016 Chevrolet Volt owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Shift to Park Warning Malfunction
The most frequently reported issue on the second-generation Volt is a persistent 'Shift to Park' warning that remains on the dashboard even after the vehicle is properly shifted into Park. The vehicle will not turn off and the key fob cannot be removed. This is caused by a worn shift lever micro-switch or electronic shifter position sensor that fails to register the Park position.
Replace the shifter assembly or the individual Park position micro-switch. GM released TSB 17-NA-430 addressing this issue. Some owners have had success cleaning the shifter contacts as a temporary fix. The updated shifter assembly includes a more robust micro-switch.
Est. Cost: $200 - $60012V Auxiliary Battery Drain and Failure
The 12V auxiliary battery in the Volt drains prematurely, especially if the vehicle sits for more than a few days without being driven. The 12V battery powers the computers that wake up the high-voltage system, so a dead 12V battery completely disables the car. Owners report the vehicle failing to power on, with no dashboard lights or response from the key fob.
Replace the 12V battery with a proper AGM battery meeting GM specifications. GM released software updates to improve the 12V battery charging algorithm. If the Volt will sit unused for extended periods, a trickle charger connected to the 12V battery is recommended. Reference GM TSB 15-NA-102 for 12V battery management.
Est. Cost: $150 - $350Engine Mount Deterioration Causing Vibration
The engine mounts on the 1.5L range-extender engine deteriorate prematurely, causing noticeable vibration and harshness when the gasoline engine activates in extended-range mode. Owners describe a shaking or rocking sensation that was not present when the car was new, and it worsens in cold weather when the engine activates more frequently.
Replace the upper and lower engine mounts. The passenger-side mount is the most common failure point. Use the updated GM mount (part number 23372753) which has improved rubber compounds. Inspect all three mounts during the repair.
Est. Cost: $300 - $800Charge Port Door and EVSE Charging Issues
The charge port door latch mechanism can freeze or break, preventing the door from opening in cold weather. Additionally, the onboard EVSE (charging module) may throw charging faults, fail to initiate charging, or stop mid-charge. The charge port pins can also corrode, resulting in intermittent charging failures and error codes.
Replace the charge port door actuator if the latch mechanism is broken. For charging faults, clean the charge port pins with electrical contact cleaner. If the onboard charge module is faulty, it must be replaced. Reference GM TSB 16-NA-390 for EVSE error code diagnosis.
Est. Cost: $100 (port door) - $1,200 (charge module replacement)HVAC Blend Door Actuator Clicking and Failure
The HVAC blend door actuator develops a repetitive clicking or knocking noise from behind the dashboard, usually on startup or when adjusting the temperature. The actuator gear teeth strip, causing the blend door to stick in one position, resulting in the HVAC blowing only hot or only cold air regardless of the temperature setting.
Replace the failed blend door actuator. The Volt has three actuators (mode, temperature, and recirculation), and the temperature actuator behind the center dash is the most common failure. The repair requires partial dashboard disassembly to access the actuator. Use the AC Delco replacement part for proper fit.
Est. Cost: $150 - $500