brake fluid CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2019 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Instruments and Controls 145
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is
performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears,
see your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security .
Brakes
. Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Propulsion and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Propulsion Power
Messages
PROPULSION POWER IS
REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is
reduced. Reduced propulsion power
can affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no observed reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle
is driven. The vehicle may be driven
while this message is on, but
maximum acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, or displays
repeatedly, the vehicle should be
taken to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the
vehicle speed has been limited to
the speed displayed. The limited
speed is a protection for various
propulsion and vehicle systems,
such as lubrication, thermal,
suspension, Teen Driver if
equipped, or tires.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Driving and Operating 197
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious—or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
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
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required. If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
.
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
200 Driving and Operating
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain.
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
electric drive unit.
. Keep the vehicle in gear when
going down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the vehicle turned off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
to slow the vehicle enough to
maintain speed and control. You
could crash. Always have the
vehicle running and in gear when
going downhill. This will allow the
electric drive unit to assist in
slowing and maintaining speed.
. Drive at speeds to keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills.
Something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Recommend using D (Drive) in
slippery conditions.
. Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on the Traction Control
System (TCS).
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Vehicle Care 255
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 257
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Battery - North America . . . . . . 265
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 267
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 268
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 271
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Electrical System Overload . . . 272
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 273
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Tire Pressure Monitor
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Vehicle Care 261
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 262.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 261.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System
0 261.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board
Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0264.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See
Cooling System 0261.
8. Battery. See Battery - North
America 0265.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood
Compartment Fuse Block
0 273.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-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Vehicle Care 263
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 0332.
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-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
264 Vehicle Care
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 0260 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 0127.
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 0323.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0328.
{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-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
Vehicle Care 265
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
0 335.
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 0340 for
additional information. If an airbag
has inflated, see What Will You See
after an Airbag Inflates? 076.
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-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
308 Vehicle Care
1. Check the other vehicle.It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake and shift into P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park 0208.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn the vehicle off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the propulsion system is not
operating and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving propulsion
system parts can injure you badly.
Keep your hands away from
moving parts once the propulsion
system is operating.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12163003) - 2019 - crc - 5/18/18
322 Service and Maintenance
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 322
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 323
Owner Checks and Services
Owner Checks andServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 330
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as tire
rotations and additional
maintenance items like tires, brakes,
batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.