2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV airbag

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
84 Instruments and Controls
the light stays on solid until the belt is
buckled. This cycle continues several times if
the passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the passenger seat belt is buckled, neither
the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt reminder light
and chime may turn on if an object is put
on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, or other electronic device. To
turn off the reminder light and/or chime,
remove the object from the seat or buckle
the seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical
problem with the airbag system. The system
check includes the airbag sensor(s),
passenger sensing system, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules, the
wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module.
The airbag readiness light comes on for
several seconds when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not come on then, have it
fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes on
while driving, it means the airbag system
might not be working properly. The
airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in
a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury,
have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System 044 for
important safety information. The overhead
console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United States
Canada
When the vehicle is started, the passenger
airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF,
or the symbol for on and off, for several
seconds as a system check. Then, after
several seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or the on or off
symbol to let you know the status of the
front outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed
to inflate.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Instruments and Controls 85
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on
the passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing system
has turned off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there are no
lights at all, there may be a problem with
the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes
on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag
system. To help avoid injury to yourself
or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light 084
for more information, including important
safety information.
Charging System Light (12-Volt
Battery)
The charging system light comes on briefly
when the vehicle is started, as a check to
show the light is working.
If the light stays on, or comes on while
driving, there could be a problem with the
electrical charging system. Have it checked
by your dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the 12-volt battery.
If a short distance must be driven with the
light on, be sure to turn off all accessories,
such as the radio.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
This light comes on if a condition exists that
may require the vehicle to be taken in for
service.
If the light comes on, take the vehicle to
your dealer for service as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
MetricEnglish
This light should come on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on
then, have it fixed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start
up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off
the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal
might be harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could take
longer to stop. If the light is still on, have
the vehicle towed for service. See Towing
the Vehicle 0240.

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
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
Driving and Operating 195
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. SeeService Vehicle
Soon Light 085. A device connected to
the DLC —such as an aftermarket fleet
or driver-behavior tracking device —may
interfere with vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's
12-volt battery, even if the vehicle is not
operating. When adding electrical equipment, it should
only be connected using the accessory
power outlets. The maximum power that
can be supplied by one accessory power
outlet or spread across all three is 200 watts
or 15 amps. Exceeding 200 watts or 15 amps
may cause erratic vehicle operation.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 047 and
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 047.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 197
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0204 and
Jump Starting - North America 0238 and
the back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. 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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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198 Vehicle Care
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 047.
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.
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 Publication Ordering
Information 0270.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 47.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 260.
Hood
{Warning
Components under the hood can get hot
from running the engine. To help avoid
the risk of burning unprotected skin,
never touch these components until they
have cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left side
of the instrument panel.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
204 Vehicle Care
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 Schedule0253.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0258.
{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.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a high voltage battery and
a standard 12-volt battery.
{Warning
Damage to the high voltage battery or
high voltage system can create a risk of
electric shock, overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood, fire,
or other event, the vehicle should be
inspected as soon as possible. Until the
vehicle has been inspected, store it
outside at least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can burn.
Ventilate the vehicle by opening a
window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as soon as
possible to determine whether an
inspection is needed. See Customer
Assistance Offices 0264. If the vehicle is in a crash, the sensing
system may shut down the high voltage
system. When this occurs, the high voltage
battery is disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
message in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will be displayed. Before the vehicle
can be operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer.
See
“If a Crash Occurs” underCollision
Damage Repair 0268 for additional
information. If an airbag has inflated, see
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
0 42.
Only a trained service technician with
the proper knowledge and tools should
inspect, test, or replace the high voltage
battery. See your dealer if either the 12-volt
or high voltage battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to recycle
the high voltage battery. There is also
information available at
http://www.recyclemybattery.com.
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even when fully
charged, to keep the high voltage battery
temperature ready for the next drive. This is
important when outside temperatures are
extremely hot or cold.