2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV brake

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
86 Instruments and Controls
{Warning
The brake system might not be working
properly if the brake system warning
light is on. Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a crash.
If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully
stopped, have the vehicle towed for
service.
Electric Parking Brake Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied. If the light continues flashing
after the parking brake is released, or while
driving, there is a problem with the Electric
Parking Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on, or remains
flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking Brake
Light
The Service Electric Parking brake light
should come on briefly when starting the
vehicle. If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If this light stays on, there is a problem
with a system on the vehicle that is causing
the parking brake system to work at a
reduced level. The vehicle can still be driven,
but should be taken to a dealer as soon as
possible. See Electric Parking Brake 0164.
A message may also display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
The ABS warning light will come on briefly
when the vehicle is started. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a
problem.
If the light stays on or comes on while
driving, stop as soon as possible and turn
the vehicle off. Then start the vehicle again
to reset the system. If the light still stays
on, or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. See your dealer. If the
regular brake system warning light is not
on, the brakes will still work, but the
antilock brakes will not work. If the regular
brake system warning light is also on, the
antilock brakes will not work and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
100 Instruments and Controls
calculated based on the various vehicle
speeds recorded since the last reset of this
value. The average speed can be reset by
pressing and holding
Vwhile this display is
active.
Timer : This display can be used as a timer.
To start the timer, press
Vwhile this
display is active. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset. To stop the timer,
press
Vbriefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset the timer
to zero, press and hold
Vwhile this display
is active.
Follow Distance Indicator : The current
follow time to the vehicle ahead is displayed
as a time value on this page.
Blank Page : The Blank Page display allows
for no information to be displayed in the
cluster info display areas.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC indicate the
status of the vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a condition.
Multiple messages may appear one after
another. The messages that do not require
immediate action can be acknowledged and
cleared by pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken seriously;
clearing the message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see your
dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays messages
regarding the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Propulsion and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Propulsion Power Messages
PROPULSION POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the vehicle's
propulsion power is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect the vehicle's
ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the performance
may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays repeatedly,
the vehicle should be taken to your dealer
for service as soon as possible.
This message is commonly displayed when
the high voltage battery charge level is low.
The vehicle is limiting power to maximize
range.
This message can display when the vehicle
is parked during extreme cold conditions
without being plugged in. While driving the

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Instruments and Controls 101
vehicle with this message displayed, the
vehicle speed may be reduced until the high
voltage battery is conditioned.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try restarting
after the ignition has been off for
30 seconds.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle speed
has been limited to the speed displayed. The
limited speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems, such as
lubrication, thermal, brakes, suspension,
Teen Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
Use the audio system controls to access the
personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
The following are all possible personalization
features. Depending on the vehicle, some
may not be available.
{:Press to access the Home Page.
T:Touch to access the Icon view.
Y: Drag the scroll bar to navigate the list.
0 :Touch to exit or return to the
previous screen or menu.
To access the menu:
1. Touch
T.
2. Touch Settings.
3. Touch the menu item to select it.
Each of the menus is detailed in the
following information.
Personalization Menu
The following list of menu items may be
available:
.Time and Date
.Rear Seat Reminder
.Language (Language)
.Teen Driver
.Radio Settings
.Vehicle
.Devices
.Device Remote Access
.Bluetooth Phone
.Apple CarPlay
.Android Auto
.USB Auto Launch
.Wi-Fi
.Display Settings
.Rear Camera
.Return to Factory Settings
.Audible Touch Feedback
.Text Scroll
.Software Information
Each menu is detailed in the following
information.
Time and Date
Manually set the time and date. See Clock
0 76.
Rear Seat Reminder
This message displays under certain
conditions indicating there may be an item
or passenger in the rear seat. Check before
exiting the vehicle.
This feature allows for a chime and a
message when the rear door has been
opened before or during operation of the
vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Language (Language)
Select Language, then select from the
available language(s).

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
102 Instruments and Controls
Teen Driver
SeeTeen Driver 0132.
Radio Settings
To manage the radio features, see “Radio
Settings” underSettings 0131.
Vehicle
Select and the following may display:
.Climate and Air Quality
.Comfort and Convenience
.Collision / Detection Systems
.Lighting
.Power Door Locks
.Remote Lock / Unlock / Start
Climate and Air Quality
Select and the following may display:
.Auto Fan Speed
.Auto Heated Seats
.Auto Defog
Auto Fan Speed
This feature will set the maximum auto fan
speed.
Select Low, Medium, or High. Auto Heated Seats
When set to On and it is cold outside, both
the heated seats and the heated steering
wheel will automatically turn on when the
vehicle is started. See
Automatic Climate
Control System 0140.
Select Off or On.
Auto Defog
When set to On, the front defog will
automatically come on when the vehicle is
started. See Automatic Climate Control
System 0140.
Select Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Select and the following may display:
.Chime Volume
.Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
Chime Volume
This allows the selection of the chime
volume level.
Select + or −to adjust the volume.
Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
This allows the feature to be turned on or
off. See Rear Window Wiper/Washer 075. Select Off or On.
Collision / Detection Systems
Select and the following may display:
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Park Assist
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
.Lane Change Alert
Forward Collision System
This setting controls the vehicle response
when detecting a vehicle ahead of you. The
Off setting disables all Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) and Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) functions. With the Alert and
Brake setting, both FCA and AEB are
available. The Alert setting disables AEB. See
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) 0175.
Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This allows the feature’s notification to be
customized.
Select Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Park Assist
This allows the feature to be turned on
or off.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Infotainment System 133
transmitter key is no longer
registered and a confirmation
message displays.
If a Teen Driver transmitter key and a
non-Teen Driver transmitter key are both
present at start up, the vehicle will
recognize the non-Teen Driver transmitter
key to start the vehicle. The Teen Driver
settings will not be active.
Manage Settings
Use the PIN to change the following
settings:
Audio Volume Limit : Allows a maximum
radio volume to be set. Turn the audio
volume limit On or Off, and if equipped,
choose the maximum level for the audio
volume.
Teen Driver Speed Warning : Allows for
setting a visual and audible warning when a
certain speed is exceeded. The speed
warning is selectable from 64 km/h
(40 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph). The speed
warning does not limit the speed of the
vehicle.
Teen Driver Speed Limiter (If Equipped) :
Allows the maximum speed of the vehicle to
be limited to 137 km/h (85 mph). When the
speed limiter is turned On and the vehicle is started with a Teen Driver key, the DIC
displays a message that the top speed is
limited to 137 km/h (85 mph).
When Teen Driver is Active:
.The radio will mute when the driver seat
belt is not fastened, and in some vehicles,
when the right front passenger seat belt
is not fastened. The audio from any
device paired to the vehicle will also be
muted.
.Certain electronic devices placed on the
front passenger seat could cause the
passenger sensing system to falsely sense
an unbuckled front passenger and mute
the radio. See
Passenger Sensing System
0 44.
.Some safety systems, such as Automatic
Emergency Braking, if equipped and
supported, cannot be turned off.
.The gap setting for the Forward Collision
Alert, if equipped, cannot be changed.
Report Card
The vehicle owner must secure the driver’s
consent to record certain vehicle data when
the vehicle is driven with a registered Teen
Driver key. There is one Report Card per
vehicle. Data is not recorded when Teen
Driver is not active. The Report Card data is collected from the
time Teen Driver is activated or the last
time the Report Card was reset. The
following items may be recorded:
.Distance Driven
–the total distance
driven.
.Maximum Speed –the maximum vehicle
speed recorded.
.Overspeed Warnings –the number of
times the speed warning setting was
exceeded.
.Forward Collision Alerts –the number of
times the driver was notified when
approaching a vehicle ahead too quickly
and at potential risk for a crash.
.Forward Collision Avoidance Braking –the
number of times the vehicle detected that
a forward collision was imminent and
applied the brakes. Also referred to as
Automatic Emergency Braking.
.Stability Control –the number of events
which required the use of electronic
stability control.
.ABS Active –the number of Antilock
Brake System activations.
.Tailgating Alerts –the number of times
the driver was alerted for following the
vehicle ahead too closely.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
146 Driving and Operating
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Energy Efficiency . . . . 147
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Power Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle . . . . . 157
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 158
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Electric Vehicle Operating Modes
Driver Selected Operating Modes . . . . . . 159
Electric Drive Unit
Electric Drive Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
One-Pedal Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Regenerative Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Assistance Systems for Parking orBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . 173
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . 175
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Charging
When to Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Plug-In Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Delayed Charging Override . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Charging Status Feedback . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Charge Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Utility Interruption of Charging . . . . . . . 194
Electrical Requirements for Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 195

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 149
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired
driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then
driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount
of alcohol or drugs. You can have a
serious—or even fatal —collision if you
drive after drinking or taking drugs.
Do not drive while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver
who has been drinking or is impaired by
drugs. Find alternate transportation
home; or if you are with a group,
designate a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control a
vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time. Deciding to push the brake
pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that time, a
vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels
20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
.Keep enough distance between you and
the vehicle in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system,
do not drive over curbs, parking barriers,
or similar objects at speeds greater than
3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving
over other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused by
misuse of the vehicle is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has a steering system that
varies the amount of effort required to steer
the vehicle in relation to the speed of the
vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is
less at slower speeds to make the vehicle
more maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort increases
to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering.
It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
150 Driving and Operating
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered, but may require increased effort.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is held
against that position for an extended period
of time, power steering assist may be
reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an extended
period of time while the vehicle is not
moving, power assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering assist
should return when the system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
.Reduce speed before entering a curve.
.Maintain a reasonable steady speed
through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve
before accelerating gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when steering
around a problem may be more effective
than braking.
.Holding both sides of the steering wheel
allows you to turn 180 degrees without
removing a hand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows
steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the
edge of a road onto the shoulder while
driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the
vehicle so that it straddles the edge of
the pavement. 2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.