2018 CHEVROLET BOLT EV Owner's Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
256 Vehicle Care
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 081.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
Never try to do your own service
on high voltage battery
components. You can be injured
and the vehicle can be damaged
if you try to do your own service
work. Service and repair of these
high voltage battery components
should only be performed by a
trained dealer technician with the
proper knowledge and tools.
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 257
Warning (Continued)
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring.
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information
0 341.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 081.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0329.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the release handle with
this symbol. It is below the
instrument panel outboard of
the steering wheel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicleand locate the secondary
release lever under the front
center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever
to the right to disengage.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
258 Vehicle Care
3. Lift the hood and release thehood prop rod from its retainer
above the radiator support.
Place the prop rod securely
into the slot in the hood.
To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, check that all filler caps are properly
installed. Then, lift the hood to
relieve pressure on the
hood prop.
2. Remove the hood prop from the slot in the hood and return
it to its retainer above the
radiator support. The prop rod must lock into place when
returning it to the retainer to
prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it so it fully latches. Check to
make sure the hood is firmly
closed. Repeat the process if
necessary.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 259
Underhood Compartment Overview

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
260 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 261.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 260.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 260.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board
Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0263.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See
Cooling System 0260.
8. Battery. See Battery - North
America 0264.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood
Compartment Fuse Block
0 272.Cooling System
It is not necessary to regularly
check coolant unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A coolant loss could indicate
a problem. Have it inspected and
repaired by your dealer.
The following explains the cooling
systems and how to check coolant
levels.
.
High Voltage Battery
. Single Power Inverter Module
(SPIM), Accessory Power
Module (APM), and Charger
Module
. Cabin Heating
High Voltage Battery
During vehicle operation and also
during charging, the high voltage
battery cells in the vehicle are kept
within a normal operating
temperature range. If the
temperature rises above this
temperature, the battery cooling
system turns on the air conditioning
compressor and cools the coolant until the correct temperature is
reached. If the temperature falls
below this temperature, a high
voltage heater, located outside the
battery on a cradle, heats the
coolant until the correct temperature
is reached.
Single Power Inverter Module
(SPIM), Accessory Power
Module (APM), and Charger
Module
The SPIM, APM, and charger
module are cooled using a separate
coolant loop. These modules are
kept below a maximum temperature.
If the temperature rises above this
temperature, the electric cooling fan
will turn on to cool the coolant.
Cabin Heating
Cabin heating is maintained by
coolant heated by the Coolant
Heater Control Module (CHCM),
separate from the power electronics
and battery coolant loops. This
module heats the coolant based on
temperature inputs from the cabin
climate control systems.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 261
Hybrid Cooling System
Pressure Caps
The hybrid cooling system
reservoirs have tamper resistant
pressure caps. The coolant should
only be serviced by a qualified
technician.
Checking Coolant
The coolant needs to be replaced at
the appropriate interval. See
Maintenance Schedule0322.
The coolant reservoirs are in the
underhood compartment. See
Underhood Compartment Overview
0 259.
1. Cabin Heating Coolant
Reservoir
2. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir
3. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir
1. Park on a level surface and turn the vehicle off.
2. After the system has completely cooled, check that
the coolant level is at the cold
fill mark on the reservoirs.
3. If the coolant level is not visible or needs to be adjusted within
the reservoirs, contact your
dealer.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Underhood
Compartment Overview 0259 for
reservoir location.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
262 Vehicle Care
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can
be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0331.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 263
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeUnderhood
Compartment Overview 0259 for
the location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning
Light 0126.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0322.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0327.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.