2023 CHEVROLET BOLT EV maintenance

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
154 Driving and Operating
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-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Driving and Operating 211
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your vehicle.
It was not designed or intended to tow a
trailer.
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-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
214 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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 0285.
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
0 275.
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.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 217
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0218.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0217.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0217.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 219.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0217.
8. Battery. See Battery - North America
0 220.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block
0229.
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 0271.
The coolant reservoirs are in the underhood
compartment. See Underhood Compartment
Overview 0216.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
220 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 Schedule0271.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0273.
{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
This vehicle has a high voltage battery and
a standard 12-volt battery. See your dealer if either the 12-volt or high
voltage battery needs service.
12–Volt Battery
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new 12-volt
battery is needed. The vehicle has an
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will
result in reduced 12-volt battery life.
Some 12-volt chargers have an AGM battery
setting. This setting limits the charge
voltage to 14.8 volts and helps extend the
battery life. If available, use the AGM
setting when charging the battery.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
High Voltage Battery
Only a trained service technician should
inspect, test, or replace the high voltage
battery. The dealer has information on how
to recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available at
https://www.recyclemybattery.com.
{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
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 221
Warning (Continued)
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. SeeCustomer
Assistance Offices 0279.
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 display. Before the vehicle can
operate again, it must be serviced at your
dealer. If a crash occurs or an airbag(s)
inflates, see “If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0283 and
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
0 42 for additional information.
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. Propulsion power may be reduced in
extremely cold temperatures, or if the high
voltage battery is too cold. The message
BATTERY TOO COLD, PLUG IN TO WARM will
display.
A vehicle cover, which can reduce sun
loading on the vehicle and improve high
voltage battery life, is available from your
dealer.
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0286.
Vehicle Storage
The best way to store the vehicle for any
length of time is to plug in the charge cord
and leave it plugged in. The vehicle
monitors and maintains the 12-volt battery
daily. It is okay to leave the vehicle plugged
in for extended periods of time. Once
charged to full, very little energy is required
to maintain the 12-volt battery and high
voltage battery.
If it is not possible to charge the vehicle
with the charge cord left plugged in, be sure
to fully charge the high voltage battery
before storing. The vehicle will stop
maintenance of the 12-volt battery if the
high voltage battery state of charge gets
too low. When storing the vehicle on a long-term
basis:
‐
Keep the high voltage battery state of
charge at 30%.
‐ Attach an AGM/VRLA compatible battery
tender or trickle charger to the 12-volt
battery.
‐ Keep the remote key more than 3 m
(10 ft) away from the vehicle.
12–volt Battery{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. Always wear
eye protection. See Jump Starting - North
America 0256 for tips on working around
a battery without getting hurt.
A trickle charger may be attached to the
12-volt battery terminals or trickle charge
from the underhood remote positive (+) and
negative (–) terminals. See Jump Starting -
North America 0256 for location of these
terminals.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
222 Vehicle Care
Caution
The vehicle is equipped with an AGM/
VRLA 12-volt battery, which can be
damaged by using the incorrect type of
trickle charger. An AGM/VRLA-compatible
charger must be used, with the
appropriate setting selected. Follow the
trickle charger manufacturer instructions.
With a trickle charger connected to the
12-volt battery, the vehicle will still monitor
the 12-volt battery daily, but it will not use
energy from the high voltage battery for
maintenance.
High Voltage Battery
After extended storage, it is possible that
the vehicle may not operate. If this happens,
the high voltage battery may need to be
plugged in and charged.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to apply the
regular brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle
facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB).
.To check the EPB's holding ability: With
the propulsion system active and the
electric drive unit in N (Neutral), slowly
remove foot pressure from the regular
brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the EPB only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the propulsion system
active, shift to P (Park). Then release the
EPB and slowly remove foot pressure
from the regular brake pedal. Contact your dealer if service is required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be replaced
periodically. See the
Maintenance Schedule
0 271.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0274.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is
installed could damage the windshield.
Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the windshield wiper blade: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
224 Vehicle Care
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
Your vehicle may be equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting and
holding open the hood/trunk/liftgate system
in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any objects
from gas struts. Also do not push down
or pull on gas struts. This may cause
damage to the vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0271.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate