2023 CHEVROLET BOLT EV towing

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
212 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 213
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . 213
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . 216
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 227
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Underhood Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 237
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 240
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 241
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 245
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 247
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 247
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 248
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . 250
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 256
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 258
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . 260
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
258 Vehicle Care
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+)cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery
positive (+) terminal.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative
(–) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the discharged
battery negative (–) grounding point.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery.
10. Try to start the vehicle with the discharged battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal. Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Reinstall the bracket to protect the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal after
jump starting.
Caution
If the bracket is not reinstalled, the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal
can be damaged in a crash and the
electrical systems may not work properly.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 259
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” underElectric Drive
Unit 0165 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0256
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the non-rolling
tires to prevent vehicle damage.
Front Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
260 Vehicle Care
Rear Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region.
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the electric drive unit.
The repairs would not be covered by the
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 261
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.The vehicle was not designed to be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. If the
vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be
used. See
“Dolly Towing” following.
Dolly Towing
Tow the vehicle with the two rear wheels
on the ground and the front wheels on a
dolly.
To tow the vehicle from the front with the
rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Shift the vehicle into P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0163.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's
instructions for preparing the vehicle and
dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Turn the vehicle off.
8. Open the hood.
9. Wait two minutes.
10. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
11. Close and latch the hood.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
262 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting. Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
282 Customer Information
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed. Items considered are
reasonable and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being delivered
back to the customer, up to 500 miles.
Contact Chevrolet Roadside Assistance for
Trip Interruption eligibility at the time of
vehicle disablement.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
.Impound towing caused by violation of
any laws.
.Legal fines.
.Mounting, dismounting, or changing of
snow tires, chains, or other traction
devices.
Service is not provided if a vehicle is in an
area that is not accessible to the service
vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or
maintained public road, which includes ice
and winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to Canadian Vehicles
.Lock-Out Service: Vehicle registration is
required.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Must be over 150 km (93 mi) from where
the trip was started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original detailed
receipts, and a copy of the repair orders
are required. Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside Assistance advisor
will help to make arrangements and
explain how to receive payment.
.Alternative Service: If assistance cannot
be provided right away, the Roadside
Assistance advisor may give permission to
get local emergency road service. You will
receive payment, up to $100, after
sending the original receipt to Roadside
Assistance. Mechanical failures may be
covered, however any cost for parts and
labor for repairs not covered by the
warranty are the owner's responsibility.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When the vehicle requires warranty service,
contact your dealer and request an
appointment. By scheduling a service
appointment and advising the service
consultant of your transportation needs,
your dealer can help minimize your
inconvenience. If the vehicle cannot be scheduled into the
service department immediately, keep
driving it until it can be scheduled for
service, unless, of course, the problem is
safety related. If it is, please call your
dealership, let them know this, and ask for
instructions.
If your dealer requests you to bring the
vehicle for service, you are urged to do so
as early in the work day as possible to
allow for same-day repair.
Courtesy Transportation Program
To enhance your ownership experience, we
and our participating dealers are proud to
offer Courtesy Transportation, a customer
support program for vehicles with the
Bumper-to-Bumper (Base Warranty Coverage
period in Canada), Federal Emission,
Extended Powertrain or Electric specific
warranties in both the U.S. and Canada.
Several Courtesy Transportation options are
available to assist in reducing inconvenience
when warranty repairs are required.
Courtesy Transportation is not a part of the
New Vehicle Limited Warranty. A separate
manual entitled
“Limited Warranty and