Some people think jump starting a Chevy Volt is scary because it’s a hybrid car. They worry about the big battery or special rules. But honestly, it’s almost the same as any other car once you know the simple tricks. The Volt just has a small regular 12-volt battery that sometimes dies. This guide makes everything clear and safe so you can fix it yourself without panic.
Jump starting a Chevy Volt focuses only on the small 12-volt battery, not the big hybrid one. Use the special red positive post and black ground point under the hood. Always connect cables in the right order to stay safe and avoid sparks. Let the helper car run a few minutes before you try starting your Volt. After it starts, drive around to recharge the battery. Keep jumper cables handy in your car. Check your 12-volt battery every year or two. If it keeps dying, get it tested or replaced.
Why is Jump Starting a Chevy Volt Different from Regular Cars?
Jump starting a Chevy Volt feels different because the car mixes gas and electric power. The big battery runs the electric drive. But a tiny 12-volt battery handles lights, computers, and turning the car on. When that small one dies, everything looks dead even if the main battery has charge.
You never touch the high-voltage battery. That part is dangerous. You only boost the small 12-volt system. Chevy puts easy jump points under the hood so you stay safe. Many new owners get confused the first time they look for the battery. It hides in the back, but you don’t need to go there.
The steps stay simple if you follow them carefully. People often feel nervous at first. But after one try, it becomes no big deal. Always read your owner’s manual for your exact Volt year. Small changes happen between models.
Safety matters a lot here. Wear gloves if you have them. Keep kids and pets away. No smoking near the cars. Doing it right keeps you and your Volt happy.
- Volt uses a small 12-volt battery for starting.
- Jump only at hood points, never the big battery.
- Check your manual for model details.
- Stay safe with no sparks or loose clamps.
How to Jump Start Your Chevy Volt Safely
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Prepare Both Vehicles
Start by getting strong jumper cables. Thick wires work much better than thin cheap ones. You can also use a portable jump starter if no other car is nearby. Park the helper car close to your Volt, but don’t let them touch each other. This makes the cables reach easily without stretching.
Turn off all power on both cars. Switch off lights, radio, fan, everything. Open the hood of your Volt. Look for the red positive post under a small cover. It sits near the fuse box most times. Find the black negative ground spot too. It’s usually a metal bolt or marked area on the engine frame.
Put both cars in park. Set the parking brakes so nothing moves. If the weather feels very cold, wait a minute or two. Cold makes batteries weaker. Make sure no one stands too close with open flames.
Take your time here. Rushing can cause small mistakes. When everything sits ready, you feel calmer and more in control. This preparation step saves trouble later.
- Grab good thick jumper cables.
- Park cars close, no touching.
- Find red post and black ground under hood.
- Turn everything off, brakes on.
Step 2: Connect the Jumper Cables Properly
Now connect the cables the right way. Order is super important to stop big sparks. Put the red clamp on the red positive post of your dead Volt first. Then put the other red clamp on the positive post of the helper car’s battery.
Take the black clamp next. Connect it to the negative post on the helper battery. For the last step, put the other black clamp on the ground point of your Volt. Use the unpainted metal spot Chevy marks for this. Never connect it to the negative battery post if you can avoid it.
Check that every clamp grips tight. Loose ones can slip and cause problems. If you see tiny sparks or hear funny noises, stop right away. Double-check all connections before moving on.
This part might make your heart beat a little faster the first time. But you are doing it correctly. Think of it like plugging in your phone charger the safe way. Soon it will feel normal.
- Red clamp to Volt positive first.
- Red to helper positive second.
- Black to helper negative third.
- Black to Volt ground last.
Step 3: Start the Helper Vehicle and Let It Charge
Everything connects now, so start the helper car. Let it run nice and steady for three to five minutes. This sends power over to your Volt’s small battery. You might notice dashboard lights come on slowly. Or hear the fans start quietly as the computers wake up.
After a few minutes, press the power button on your Volt like you always do. The screen should light up. The car goes into ready mode if things work. If nothing happens yet, wait two more minutes and try again. Some Volts need extra time to boot.
Keep the helper car running the whole time. You can press the gas pedal a tiny bit to send more power. But don’t keep trying to start your Volt over and over without waiting. That can tire out the helper battery too fast.
When your Volt finally starts, that little rush of relief feels great. You did the hard part. Just stay patient through this waiting step.
- Start helper car and idle it.
- Wait 3-5 minutes for charge.
- Try starting Volt normally.
- Rev helper gently if needed.
Step 4: Disconnect Cables and Let Your Volt Run
Your Volt runs now, so don’t unplug too fast. Let both cars sit and run together for a few minutes. This helps the systems settle down. Your Volt starts charging its own small battery from the big one.
Disconnect everything in reverse order. Take the black clamp off your Volt ground point first. Then remove the black from the helper negative. Next take the red off the helper positive. Finish by removing the red from your Volt post.
Drive your Volt for at least twenty to thirty minutes after this. Or plug it in to charge. This gives the small battery time to fill up again. If it dies soon after, the battery probably needs a new one.
You just saved the day! That proud happy feeling when your car runs smooth again makes everything worth it. Next time you will smile through the whole thing.
- Let cars run a few minutes.
- Disconnect black from Volt first.
- Follow reverse order for safety.
- Drive or charge to recharge.
What Should You Do If Jump Starting Doesn’t Work?
Jump starting sometimes doesn’t fix the problem right away. That happens more than you think. The small 12-volt battery could be very old. Or it might not hold charge anymore after dying too deep. If your Volt starts but dies again fast, that’s a big clue.
Other times a hidden electrical problem causes it. Something might drain the battery slowly when the car sits. A shop can scan for error codes to find the real issue. Don’t keep jumping it over and over if it fails. That stresses everything.
Look at the connections too. Corrosion or dirt can block power. Clean them gently with baking soda and water if you see green stuff. But if you’re not sure, let a mechanic do it safely.
Stay calm when this happens. Most battery problems are easy fixes. Getting help early stops bigger trouble later. You got this.
- Old battery might not hold charge.
- Check for slow drains.
- Clean dirty connections.
- Visit a shop for codes if needed.
Final Thoughts
You now know exactly how to jump start your Chevy Volt the safe and easy way. Keep those cables in your trunk for quick help. Check your small battery from time to time so surprises stay small. Follow these steps every time and you’ll handle it like a pro. Stay safe out there, and enjoy your drives!
| Feature | NOCO Boost Pro GB150 | Schumacher SJ1332 | Stanley J5C09 | Clore JNC660 | DBPOWER 2000A | Gooloo GP2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Amps | 4000A | 1200A | 1000A | 1700A | 2000A | 2000A |
| Battery Type Support | Gas/Diesel/EV | Gas/Diesel | Gas | Gas/Diesel | Gas/Diesel/EV | Gas/Diesel/EV |
| Built-in Flashlight | Yes + SOS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| USB Ports | Yes (QC3.0) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to jump start a Chevy Volt like a regular car?
Yes, it is safe if you use the hood jump points. Chevy made special posts for the 12-volt system. You stay away from the dangerous high-voltage battery. Connect everything in the correct order to keep sparks away. Lots of owners do this all the time with no trouble.
Can I use a portable jump starter on my Chevy Volt?
Yes, a portable jump starter works perfectly. Hook it up the same way to the red post and ground spot. Pick one with at least 1000 amps for best results. It saves you when no other car is around. Keep it charged and ready in your trunk.
Do I need to jump the high-voltage battery in a Chevy Volt?
No, never jump the big high-voltage battery. That can hurt you badly or break the car. Only work on the small 12-volt part using the hood points. The main battery wakes up once the small one gets power.
Is the Chevy Volt battery under the hood like other cars?
No, the real 12-volt battery hides in the trunk area. But you never need to touch it for jumping. The hood has easy remote posts made just for this job. It keeps things simple and much safer.
Can a dead 12-volt battery prevent my Chevy Volt from charging?
Yes, a completely dead 12-volt stops charging and starting. The car needs it to turn on the computers first. Jump start to wake everything up. Then drive or plug in so it recharges itself properly.
Do I have to let the helper car run for a long time?
Yes, let it run at least three to five minutes. This gives good power to your Volt. After starting, keep both running a bit more. Driving your Volt helps charge the small battery naturally too.
Is it okay to jump start another car using my Chevy Volt?
Yes, but use the actual battery in the trunk for that. The front hood posts only receive jumps, not give them. Open the back, find the battery, and connect there carefully. This protects your Volt systems.
Can cold weather kill my Chevy Volt 12-volt battery faster?
Yes, cold weather drains batteries quicker and makes them weak. In winter, check your battery more often. A small trickle charger helps keep it strong. Many Volt owners notice more starting issues when it’s freezing outside.
Do I need special jumper cables for the Chevy Volt?
No, normal good jumper cables work fine. But thicker heavy-duty ones charge faster and better. Avoid very thin cheap cables. Longer cables help too if your setup needs extra reach.
Should I replace the 12-volt battery after a jump start?
Not every time, but yes if it dies often or won’t stay charged. These batteries usually last three to five years. After a deep dead state, it gets weaker. Test it at an auto store to be sure.
