2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV brake light

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
156 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike
and injure people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put
them as far forward as possible.
Try to spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
Avoid making hard stops for the first
322 km (200 mi). During this time the
new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Following break-in, vehicle speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Power Button
The vehicle has an electronic pushbutton
start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle for the system to
operate. If the vehicle will not start, place
the RKE transmitter in the transmitter
pocket, inside the center console.
ON/RUN : This position is for starting and
driving. With the vehicle off, and the brake
pedal applied, pressing POWER
Oonce will
place the vehicle in ON/RUN. When the
vehicle ready light is on in the instrument
cluster, the vehicle is ready to be driven.
This could take up to 15 seconds at
extremely cold temperatures.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 157
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the service vehicle soon light as
may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding POWER
Ofor more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
propulsion system will not start in Service
Mode. Press POWER
Oagain to turn the
vehicle off.
Caution
Placing the vehicle in Service Mode will
use the 12-volt battery. Do not use
Service Mode for an extended period,
or the vehicle may not start.
STOPPING THE VEHICLE/OFF : To turn the
vehicle off, apply the brakes, press the
button on top of the shift lever to shift to
P (Park) and press POWER
O. Alternatively, apply the brakes and press
POWER
O. The electric drive unit will shift
to P (Park) then shut off automatically.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active until the driver door is opened.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the vehicle off by
pressing POWER
O.
4. Set the parking brake.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
disable the airbags. While driving, only
shut the propulsion system off in an
emergency. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold POWER
Ofor longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle
Starting Procedure
Press the P (Park) button on the shift lever,
or move the shift lever into N (Neutral). The
propulsion system will not start in any
other position.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving or the electric drive unit
could be damaged. Shift to P (Park) only
when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the vehicle
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Press the brake
pedal, then press and release POWER
O.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
158 Driving and Operating
If the RKE transmitter is not in the vehicle
or something is interfering with the
transmitter, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the vehicle will not start due to a low RKE
transmitter battery, the vehicle can still be
driven. SeeRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation 07.
A vehicle ready light displays in the lower
right corner of the instrument cluster when
the vehicle is ready to be driven.
The instrument cluster also displays an
active battery gauge when the vehicle is
ready to be driven.
Restarting Procedure
If the vehicle must be restarted while it is
still moving, move the shift lever to
N (Neutral) and press POWER
Otwice
without pressing the brake pedal. The
propulsion system will not restart in any
other position. A chime will sound if the driver door is
opened while the vehicle is on. Always press
POWER
Oto turn the vehicle off before
exiting.
Stopping Procedure
For information on how to turn the vehicle
off, see Power Button 0156.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following features will operate for up to
10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened:
.Audio System
.Accessory Power Outlets
.Power Windows
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0 164.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into P (Park). See Electric Drive
Unit 0160.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is in P (Park).
4. Turn the vehicle off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the Propulsion
System On
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the P (Park) button is not pressed with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
propulsion system is running. If you have
left the propulsion system running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and press the P (Park)
button.
If the vehicle must be left with the
propulsion system on, be sure that the
vehicle is in P (Park) with the parking brake
set, before leaving the vehicle. After pressing
the P (Park) button, hold down the regular
brake pedal. If you cannot see the P (Park)
indicator in instrument cluster, it means that
the vehicle has not shifted to P (Park).

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 159
Shifting out of Park
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be
on, the brake pedal must be applied, and
the charge cord must be unplugged.
This vehicle is equipped with an electric
drive unit. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park) unless the ignition is on, the
brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
Parking the vehicle in extreme cold for
several days without the charge cord
connected may cause the vehicle not to
start. The vehicle will need to be plugged in
to allow the high voltage battery to be
warmed sufficiently.The shift lock is always functional except in
the case of an uncharged or low charged
12-volt battery (less than 9 volts).
If the vehicle has an uncharged 12-volt
battery or a 12-volt battery with low
voltage, try charging or jump starting the
12-volt battery.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle.
3. Verify that the vehicle is unplugged and the vehicle ready light is on.
4. Press the shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
5. Move the shift lever into the desired position.
6. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator on the shift lever will turn
red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
7. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0158.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter outside the vehicle, it
will continue to run for up to an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the RKE transmitter inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to two hour.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.
Electric Vehicle Operating
Modes
Driver Selected Operating Modes
Sport Mode
Sport Mode provides more responsive
acceleration than Normal Mode, but can
reduce efficiency. When the SPORT indicator
is not on, the vehicle is in Normal Mode.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 163
L :This position reduces vehicle speed
without using the brakes. Use L (Low) on
very steep hills and in stop-and-go traffic.
One-Pedal Driving
With One-Pedal Driving, the accelerator
pedal can be used to control the
deceleration of the vehicle down to a
complete stop.
Completely lifting off the accelerator pedal
will result in aggressive deceleration.
Partially lifting off the accelerator pedal will
allow the deceleration of the vehicle to be
adjusted as desired.
The amount of deceleration may vary under
Regenerative Power Limited condition. See
Power Indicator Gauge 083.
Use the brake pedal if emergency braking is
required.
To use One-Pedal Driving, place the vehicle
in L (Low). Press the accelerator pedal to the
desired speed. The deceleration provided by
One-Pedal Driving provides full regenerative
braking and helps increase energy efficiency.
The brake lamps may come on when the
accelerator pedal is released or during
substantial deceleration from regenerative
braking. While operating in One-Pedal Driving, the
electric parking brake may apply in some
circumstances. This can occur when:
.Driving on slopes.
.The driver’s door is open.
.The vehicle has remained stationary for
5 minutes.
.There is a problem with the propulsion
system.
To drive again, depress the accelerator
pedal, and the electric parking brake will
automatically disengage.
One-Pedal Driving may shift the car into
P (Park) if the vehicle is pushed once it has
been stopped or if a problem with the
propulsion system develops.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard. ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 086.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
164 Driving and Operating
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking Brake
(EPB). The EPB can always be activated, even
if the vehicle is off.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber parking brake warning
light.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.In case of insufficient electrical power, the
EPB cannot be applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber parking brake warning light is
on, lift up on the EPB switch and hold it up.
Continue to hold the switch until the red
parking brake status light remains on. If the
amber parking brake warning light is still
on, see your dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is held up. If the switch is held
up until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press momentarily on the EPB switch.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber parking brake warning light is
on, release the EPB by pressing down on the
EPB switch and holding it down. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light is off. If either light stays on
after release is attempted, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 165
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive Driving
0 148.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes release
when the accelerator pedal is applied. If the
accelerator pedal is not applied within a few
minutes, the Electric Parking Brake will
apply. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Regenerative Braking
Some braking energy from the moving
vehicle is turned back into electrical energy.
This energy is then stored back into the
high voltage battery system, increasing
energy efficiency.
Regen on Demand
Regen on Demand allows increased
deceleration by pressing and holding the
steering wheel paddle. It works in D (Drive)
and L (Low). The accelerator pedal can be
used to manage deceleration while using
Regen on Demand.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
166 Driving and Operating
Cruise control will turn off and the brake
lamps may come on when this feature is
activated.
If the vehicle is in D (Drive) and is brought
to a complete stop while the Regen on
Demand paddle is held, the vehicle will not
creep forward when the paddle is released.
The accelerator pedal must be pressed to
move the vehicle forward. See“One-Pedal
Driving” underElectric Drive Unit 0160.
If the vehicle is on a steep grade, the brake
pedal must be used to hold the vehicle.
Regenerative power may be limited when
the battery is near full charge or cold. The
regen battery icon will appear gray when
limited. The regen power limit is also
displayed as a horizontal bar on the power
indicator gauge.
Avoid using Regen On Demand under
slippery road conditions. Under Regenerative
Power Limited Condition, the amount of
vehicle deceleration will be limited. Use the
brake pedal as the primary braking device.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces propulsion system power to
limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path. If cruise control is being used and TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit wheel spin,
cruise control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
“Turning the Systems Off and On”
later in
this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.