CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2018 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
260 Vehicle Care
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 261.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 260.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 260.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board
Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0263.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See
Cooling System 0260.
8. Battery. See Battery - North
America 0264.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood
Compartment Fuse Block
0 272.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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 261
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 Schedule0322.
The coolant reservoirs are in the
underhood compartment. See
Underhood Compartment Overview
0 259.
1. Cabin Heating Coolant
Reservoir
2. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir
3. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir
1. Park on a level surface and turn the vehicle 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 0259 for
reservoir location.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
262 Vehicle Care
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. 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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads 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.
{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 pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. 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 pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0331.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 263
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 expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeUnderhood
Compartment Overview 0259 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 0126.
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 Schedule 0322.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0327.
{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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
264 Vehicle Care
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
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
{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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
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
0 334.
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 be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer. See
“If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0339 for
additional information. If an airbag
has inflated, see What Will You See
after an Airbag Inflates? 075.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if either the 12-volt or high
voltage battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available
at http://www.recyclemybattery.com.
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.
BATTERY TOO COLD, PLUG IN
TO WARM will display.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 265
A vehicle cover, which can reduce
sun loading on the vehicle and
improve high voltage battery life, is
available from your dealer.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed. The vehicle has an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger.
If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer.WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0255 and the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0304 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt. Up to Four Weeks
.
Plug in the charge cord.
Four Weeks to 12 Months
. Discharge the high voltage
battery until two or three bars
remain on the battery range
indicator (Battery symbol) on the
instrument cluster.
. Do not plug in the charge cord.
. Remove the black negative (−)
cable from the 12-volt battery
and attach a trickle charger to
the battery terminals or keep the
12-volt battery cables connected
and trickle charge from the
underhood remote positive (+)
and negative (−) terminals. See
Jump Starting - North America
0304 for the location of these
terminals.
Caution
The vehicle is equipped with an
AGM/VRLA 12-volt battery, which
can be damaged by using the
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
266 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
incorrect type of trickle charger.
An AGM/VRLA-compatible
charger must be used, with the
appropriate setting selected.
Follow the trickle charger
manufacturer instructions.
After the battery cable is
reconnected, it is possible that the
vehicle may not operate. If this
happens, the high voltage battery
may need to be charged.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
See the Maintenance Schedule
0 322. Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see
Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0328.
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.
2. Press the button in the middleof the wiper arm connector,
and pull the wiper blade away
from the arm connector.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
The rear wiper blade and wiper arm
have a cover for protection. The
cover must be removed before the
wiper blade can be replaced.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
Vehicle Care 267
To remove the cover:
1. Slide a plastic tool under thecover and push upward to
unsnap.
2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it
from the blade assembly.
3. Remove the cover.
4. After wiper blade replacement, ensure that the cover hook
slides into the slot in the blade
assembly.
5. Snap the cover down to secure.
To replace the wiper blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.2. Push the release lever (2) todisengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (1) out of the
blade assembly (3).
3. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until
the release lever clicks into
place.
4. Replace the wiper cover.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be
replaced and the vehicle is
equipped with a front camera sensor
for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is 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
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11434431) - 2018 - crc - 2/14/18
268 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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 0322.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 269
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing
procedure not listed in this section,
contact your dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized
gas inside and can burst if you
drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the instructions
on the bulb package.
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting
{Warning
The High Intensity Discharge
(HID) lighting system operates at
a very high voltage. If you try to(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
service any of the system
components, you could be
seriously injured. Have your
dealer or a qualified technician
service them.
This vehicle has several HID lamps.
For replacement of any HID lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
After an HID headlamp bulb has
been replaced, the beam might be a
slightly different shade than it was
originally. This is normal.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.