Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
In Brief 29
Performance and
Maintenance
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The Traction Control System (TCS)
limits wheel spin. The system turns
on automatically every time the
vehicle is powered up.
The Electronic Stability Control
system called StabiliTrak assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. The
system turns on automatically every
time the vehicle is on.
.To turn off TCS, press and
release
g, on the center stack.
iilluminates and the
appropriate Driver Information
Center (DIC) message is
displayed. See Ride Control
System Messages 0140.
. To turn off both TCS and
StabiliTrak, press and hold
g,
until
iandgcome on and stay on in the instrument cluster and
the appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See
Ride Control
System Messages 0140.
. Press and release
gto turn on
both systems.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0213.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The low tire pressure warning light
alerts to a significant loss in
pressure of one of the vehicle's
tires. If the warning light comes on,
stop as soon as possible and inflate
the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0197. The
warning light will remain on until the
tire pressure is corrected.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
may be an early indicator that the
tire pressures are getting low and
the tires need to be inflated to the
proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. Maintain
the correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 277.
Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency
Use the following tips to help
maximize energy efficiency and
range.
In colder temperatures, while these
efficiency tips will help, the electric
vehicle driving range may be lower
due to higher energy usage.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
30 In Brief
Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid unnecessary rapid
accelerations and decelerations.
Electric range is maximized at
80 km/h (50 mph) and below. Higher
speeds use more energy and can
significantly reduce electric range.
Use cruise control when
appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and
coast whenever possible. For
example, do not rush to traffic
signals.
Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast.
The vehicle recovers energy while
coasting and braking in D (Drive)
or L (Low).
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning
systems decreases the energy
available for electric driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is
achieved with the heat, air
conditioning, and fan turned off.Operating with the climate control
system off is the most energy
efficient climate setting.
Use the heated seat feature instead
of climate settings. Heating the seat
uses less energy than heating the
vehicle interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool the
interior when the vehicle is plugged
in to maximize the electric range by
utilizing electricity from the electrical
outlet.
In hot weather, avoid parking in
direct sunlight or use sunshades
inside the vehicle.
Turn off the front and rear window
defog/defrost when they are no
longer needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open
at highway speeds.
Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the
battery temperature ready for the
next drive. This is important when
outside temperatures are extremely
hot or cold.
Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly
inflated and the vehicle properly
aligned.
The weight of excess cargo in the
vehicle affects efficiency and range.
Avoid carrying more than is needed.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for
functions other than propelling the
vehicle will reduce EV range.
Using a rooftop carrier will reduce
efficiency due to additional weight
and drag.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
80 Seats and Restraints
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, seeDifferent Size Tires
and Wheels 0284 for additional
important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
you have questions about whether
the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you
have questions about whether the
airbag system will be affected if the
vehicle is modified for any other
reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices
0 325.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0117.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag
may not work properly. Do not
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the
airbags, seeWhere Are the
Airbags? 070. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle.
A damaged airbag system may
not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting
in serious injury or even death. To
help make sure the airbag
systems are working properly
after a crash, have them
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See
your dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0117.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
122 Instruments and Controls
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS, and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled. A DIC
message may display. Check the
DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service.
If the indicator/warning light is on
and flashing, the TCS and/or the
StabiliTrak system is actively
working.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the vehicle is
started. It provides information
about tire pressures and the TPMS.When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of
the tires are significantly
underinflated.
A message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) may also display. Stop
as soon as possible, and inflate the
tires to the pressure value shown on
the Tire and Loading Information
label.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a
problem with the TPMS. The light
flashes for about one minute and
stays on steady until the vehicle is
off. This sequence repeats each
time the vehicle is started.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the vehicle is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the vehicle
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system.
Vehicle Ready Light
The vehicle ready light comes on
whenever the vehicle is ready to be
driven.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
Instruments and Controls 141
SERVICE POWER STEERING
or STEERING ASSIST IS
REDUCED DRIVE WITH CARE
One of these two messages
displays and a chime may sound
when there may be a problem with
the power steering system. If one of
these messages displays and a
reduction in steering performance or
loss of power steering assist is
noticed, see your dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays if there is a
problem with the vehicle. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
Depending on the severity of a
crash, this message may come on
along with the airbag readiness
light.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message displays when
attempting to start the vehicle
without having the brake pedal
applied.
PRESS BUTTON AGAIN TO
TURN VEHICLE OFF
This message displays as a
reminder to press POWER
Oto turn
the vehicle off when an attempt is
made to turn off the vehicle while it
is in motion.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation 0278.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the
system is learning new tires. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0278.
TIRE PRESSURE LOW ADD
AIR TO TIRE
This message displays when the
pressure in one or more of the tires
is low. This message also displays LEFT
FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT
REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate
the location of the low tire.
The low tire pressure warning light
will also come on. See
Tire
Pressure Light 0122.
If a tire pressure message appears
on the DIC, stop as soon as
possible. Inflate the tires by adding
air until the tire pressure is equal to
the values shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tires
0 270, Vehicle Load Limits 0197,
and Tire Pressure 0276.
More than one tire pressure
message can appear at a time. The
DIC also shows the tire pressure
values. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0133.
Vehicle Reminder
Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message is displayed when ice
conditions are possible.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
196 Driving and Operating
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain.
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
electric drive unit.
. Keep the vehicle in gear when
going down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the vehicle turned off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
to slow the vehicle enough to
maintain speed and control. You
could crash. Always have the
vehicle running and in gear when
going downhill. This will allow the
electric drive unit to assist in
slowing and maintaining speed. .
Drive at speeds to keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills.
Something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick. .
Turn on TCS.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a
serious situation. Stay with the
vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 031. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
198 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0270 andTire
Pressure 0276.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
10122739) - 2017 - CRC - 10/3/16
248 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 249
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 249
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Battery - North America . . . . . . 257
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 259
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 262
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Electrical System Overload . . . 263
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 272 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295