2021 CHEVROLET BOLT EV brake fluid

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-
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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-
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Driving and Operating 151
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in
good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir
filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.
.Turn off cruise control.
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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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196 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 197
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 198
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . 200
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . 211
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 219
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 222
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 223
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 227
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 229
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 229 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 231
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 232
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 238
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

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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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Vehicle Care 201
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0202.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 203.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
8. Battery. See Battery - North America
0 204.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block
0211.
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.
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
Schedule 0253.
The coolant reservoirs are in the underhood
compartment. See Underhood Compartment
Overview 0200.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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202 Vehicle Care
1. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir
2. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir
3. SPIM, APM, and Charger ModuleCoolant Reservoir
1. Park on a level surface and turn thevehicle 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 0200
for reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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 for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings 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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 203
{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
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. 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 linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0262.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle 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.
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 can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Underhood Compartment Overview 0200
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 085.