2023 CHEVROLET BOLT EV climate

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
148 Climate Controls
Move the slats to change the direction of
the airflow.
Move the slats to change the direction of
the airflow.Additional air vents are located beneath the
windshield and the driver and passenger
side door windows, and in the footwells.
These are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
Operation Tips
.Keep all outlets open whenever possible
for best system performance.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.Keep the path under all seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside the
vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system.
.Do not attach any devices to the air vent
slats. This restricts airflow and may cause
damage to the air vents.
Maintenance
Air Intake
The air intake at the base of the windshield
under the hood must be kept clear to allow
the flow of air into the vehicle. Clear away
any ice, snow, or leaves.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen, and other
airborne irritants from outside air that is
pulled into the vehicle.
Replace the filter as part of routine
scheduled maintenance.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Climate Controls 149
1. Open the glove box.
2. Pull the damper and push the side wallto unlock the stopper.
3. Lower the glove box completely.
4. Hold the right side of the filter cover, and then pull and remove it.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Reinstall the filter cover.
7. Reconnect the glove box damper.
8. Reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Air Conditioning Regular
Operation
To ensure continuous efficient performance,
operate the air conditioning for a few
minutes once a month. The air conditioning
will not operate if the outside temperature
is too low.
Caution
Damage caused by improper refrigerant
usage could lead to costly repairs and
may not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Refrigerant systems should
only be serviced by qualified personnel.
Always use the correct refrigerant.
{Warning
Performing service work to the climate
control system could cause personal
injury or damage to the vehicle. Climate
control systems are serviced by qualified
personnel only.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
150 Climate Controls
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 271.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
152 Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Energy
Efficiency
Use the following tips to help maximize
energy efficiency and driving range.
In colder temperatures, while these
efficiency tips will help, the electric vehicle
driving range will be lower due to higher
energy usage including energy spent
heating the cabin.
The Range Impacts screen estimates the
influence of the main factors impacting
vehicle range. After charging is complete,
this information is reset. See“Range
Impacts” under. See Energy Information
0 97.
Acceleration/Braking/Coasting
Avoid rapid accelerations and decelerations.
Driving range is maximized at 89 km/h
(55 mph) and less.
Use cruise control when appropriate.
Plan ahead for decelerations and coast
whenever possible. Do not rush to traffic
signals. Do not shift to N (Neutral) to coast. The vehicle recovers more energy while
coasting and braking with One-Pedal mode
turned on. See
One-Pedal Driving 0167.
Using the Regen on Demand paddle during
deceleration recovers more energy. See
Regenerative Braking 0170.
Terrain and Vehicle Speed
Higher speeds and grade changes use more
energy and can significantly reduce driving
range.
Climate Setting
Using the heat and air conditioning systems
decreases the energy available for electric
driving.
Optimal energy efficiency is achieved when
the heat, air conditioning, and fan are
turned off.
Use the heated seat features instead of
climate control system. Heating the seat
uses less energy than heating and cooling
the interior.
Use remote start to heat or cool the interior
when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize
the driving range by utilizing electricity from
the electrical outlet. In hot weather, avoid parking in direct
sunlight or use sunshades inside the vehicle.
Keep the inside of the windows clean to
reduce fogging. Turn off the front defroster
and rear defogger when they are not
needed.
Avoid driving with the windows open at
highway speeds.
Use the Enhanced Battery Gauge on the
Instrument Cluster to view the effect of
climate control settings on your estimated
driving range. See
Battery Gauge (High
Voltage) 081.
Outside Temperature
On colder days, it is best to plug in the
vehicle overnight, then remote start the
vehicle.
Allow the vehicle to warm up for
20 minutes before driving.
If possible, use a level 2 (240 volt) high
power charge station for best results.
This allows the interior of the vehicle and
high voltage battery to warm to the optimal
temperature.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Driving and Operating 153
Vehicle Charging/Maintenance
Charging
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even when fully
charged, to maintain the battery
temperature ready for the next drive. This is
important when outside temperatures are
extremely hot or cold.
Maintenance
Always keep the tires properly inflated and
the vehicle properly aligned.
The weight of excess cargo in the vehicle
affects efficiency and driving range. Avoid
carrying more than is needed.
Avoid unnecessary use of electrical
accessories. Power used for functions other
than propelling the vehicle will reduce
driving range.
Using a rooftop carrier will reduce efficiency
due to additional weight and drag.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments haveenacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a mobile phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a hands-free
method to place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on mobile phones
or other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to the
floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or
restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or on a
mobile phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash resulting in
injury or death. Focus your attention on
driving.
Refer to the Infotainment section for more
information on using that system, including
pairing and using a mobile phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The first step in driving
defensively is to wear the seat belt.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers)
are going to be careless and make
mistakes. Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.

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
Vehicle Care 219
{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 0277.
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 0216 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
248 Vehicle Care
times as well on the government course
as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance. Warning:
The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.