Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
88 Instruments and Controls
The traction off light comes on when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off by pressing and releasing the
TCS/StabiliTrak button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come
on when StabiliTrak is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited.
Adjust driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting
the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak
system is turned off. If StabiliTrak is off, the
Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the system
does not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems,
and the warning light turns off.See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0166.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle
is started.
If the light does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the indicator
light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS,
and potentially the StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control system have been disabled.
If the indicator/warning light is on and
flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC
system is actively working.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly
when the vehicle is started. It provides
information about tire pressures and
the TPMS.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires
are significantly underinflated.
A message in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) may also display. Stop as soon as
possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure
value shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On
Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem
with the TPMS. The light flashes for about
one minute and stays on steady until the
vehicle is off. This sequence repeats each
time the vehicle is started.
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
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 161
The shift lock release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting out of P (Park)
unless the vehicle has been started, the
brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, apply the
brakes and press the button on top of the
shift lever to shift to P (Park).
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting
Into Park and Shifting out of Park.
R :Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive), or D (Drive) to
R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the
vehicle will shift to N (Neutral). Reduce the
vehicle speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever forward, and then to the left. R is
illuminated in red.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. To shift out of R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the electric drive unit.
N : In this position, the propulsion system
does not connect with the wheels. To restart
the propulsion system when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for extended periods of time.
It will automatically shift into P (Park).
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. From the center position, move the shift lever forward. If the vehicle is in P (Park),
apply the brake pedal and press the shift
lock release button while moving the
shift lever forward. The shift lever
indicator is illuminated in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Vehicle Off) - Driver In
Vehicle
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
vehicle off and occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the vehicle and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 185
6. Once charging, the DC vehicle plug willbe locked to the DC charge port and
cannot be disconnected while charging is
active.
7. Verify that the Charging Status Indicator illuminates on top of the instrument
panel and an audible chirp occurs. See
Charging Status Feedback 0186.
Caution
Do not attempt to disconnect the DC
vehicle plug while charging is active. This
action may damage the vehicle or
charging station hardware.
Stop Charge
Controls on the charging station can be used
to stop the charge process at any time.
To stop the charge when inside the vehicle,
use the Stop button on the Charging screen,
or press the button on top of the AC vehicle
cord handle. Stop Charge
—Automatic
When the vehicle no longer needs to use
power from the charging station, it will stop
charging and the DC vehicle plug will be
unlocked from the DC charge port.
Energy can still be consumed from the
charging station when the vehicle’s displays
and indicators show that the battery is fully
charged. This is to ensure the battery is in
optimal temperature operating range to
maximize vehicle range. See Programmable
Charging 090.
End Charge 1. Wait until the charging process has been fully stopped, the vehicle plug is
unlocked, and the Charging Status
Indicator is solid green or off.
If the vehicle plug does not unlock from
the vehicle charge port after a charge,
contact Roadside Assistance for
assistance. See Roadside Assistance
Program 0266.
2. Unplug the DC vehicle plug from the DC charge port on the vehicle and close the
dust cover. 3. Close the charge port door by pressing
firmly in the center until it latches.
4. The Electric Parking Brake should be manually disengaged before driving the
vehicle.
5. To start another DC charge, remove the DC vehicle plug and reconnect.
Delayed Charging Override
To temporarily override a delayed charge
event, unplug the charge cord from the
charge port and then plug it back in within
five seconds. A single audible chirp will
sound and charging will begin immediately.
To cancel a temporary override, unplug the
charge cord, wait for 10 seconds, and then
plug the charge cord back in. A double
audible chirp will sound and charging will be
delayed.
See Programmable Charging 090 for
advanced charge scheduling options.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Vehicle Care 225
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Do not exceed the maximum
pressure listed on the tire sidewall. See
Tire Sidewall Labeling0217 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0153.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound multiple
times and the turn signal lamp will continue
to flash for several seconds after filling
stops. To release and correct the pressure,
while the turn signal lamp is still flashing,
briefly press the center of the valve stem.
When the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
The TPMS sensor matching process should
also be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition
cycle using POWER
O. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool, in the following order:
driver side front tire, passenger side front
tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side
rear. See your dealer for service or to
purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS relearn tool
can also be purchased. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Sensor Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle. See
Power Button 0156.
3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info page option is turned on. The info pages on
the DIC can be turned on and off
through the Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 099.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center of the
DIC controls.