service CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2021 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Driving and Operating 195
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-
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196 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 197
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 198
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . 200
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . 211
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 219
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 222
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 223
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 227
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 229
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 229 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 231
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 232
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 238
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 197
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM parts
and GM-trained and supported service
people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
California Proposition 65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one,
as well as many of its service parts and
fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to cause(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many
parts and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these chemicals. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0204 and
Jump Starting - North America 0238 and
the back cover.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications,
such as airbag initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate Material –
special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making
modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including
such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes, traction control,
and stability control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause malfunction
or damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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198 Vehicle Care
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 047.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
Never try to do your own service on high
voltage battery components. You can be
injured and the vehicle can be damaged if
you try to do your own service work.
Service and repair of these high voltage
battery components should only be
performed by a trained dealer technician
with the proper knowledge and tools.
Exposure to high voltage can cause shock,
burns, and even death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can only be
serviced by technicians with special
training.
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 0270.
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
0 260.
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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 201
1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. SeeWasher Fluid 0202.
2. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
3. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
4. HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
5. APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board Charging Module).
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid
0 203.
7. SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir. See Cooling System 0201.
8. Battery. See Battery - North America
0 204.
9. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block
0211.
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 0253.
The coolant reservoirs are in the underhood
compartment. See Underhood Compartment
Overview 0200.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 203
{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 0262.
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 0200
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-
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204 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 Schedule0253.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0258.
{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
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 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. See Customer
Assistance Offices 0264. 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” underCollision
Damage Repair 0268 for additional
information. If an airbag has inflated, see
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
0 42.
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.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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206 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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
0 253.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0259.
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 middle of 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-
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Vehicle Care 207
To remove the cover:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover andpush 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) to disengagethe 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 hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 209
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 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.
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps
1. Back-up Lamp
2. Turn Signal Lamp
3. Stoplamp/Taillamp
To access the bulbs, reach up behind the
rear bumper. To replace a back-up bulb, turn
signal lamp, taillamp, or stoplamp: 1. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise
and remove it from the socket. The
lamps are in the rear bumper.
2. Press the new bulb in and turn clockwise to install the bulb into the socket.
3. Turn the bulb socket clockwise to reinstall.
License Plate Lamp
1. Press the spring clip on the right end ofthe lamp assembly to the left to unlock
the lamp assembly.
2. Pull down on the lamp assembly to remove it from the fascia.