maintenance CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2023 User Guide

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
214 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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 0285.
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
0 275.
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.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever under the
front center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever to the right
to release.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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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-
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220 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 Schedule0271.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0273.
{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
This vehicle has a high voltage battery and
a standard 12-volt battery. See your dealer if either the 12-volt or high
voltage battery needs service.
12–Volt Battery
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new 12-volt
battery is needed. The vehicle has an
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt battery will
result in reduced 12-volt battery life.
Some 12-volt chargers have an AGM battery
setting. This setting limits the charge
voltage to 14.8 volts and helps extend the
battery life. If available, use the AGM
setting when charging the battery.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts, terminals and
related accessories can expose you to
chemicals including lead and lead
compounds, which are known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
High Voltage Battery
Only a trained service technician should
inspect, test, or replace the high voltage
battery. The dealer has information on how
to recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available at
https://www.recyclemybattery.com.
{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
(Continued)

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Vehicle Care 221
Warning (Continued)
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 0279.
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 display. Before the vehicle can
operate again, it must be serviced at your
dealer. If a crash occurs or an airbag(s)
inflates, see “If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0283 and
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
0 42 for additional information.
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. The message
BATTERY TOO COLD, PLUG IN TO WARM will
display.
A vehicle cover, which can reduce sun
loading on the vehicle and improve high
voltage battery life, is available from your
dealer.
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0286.
Vehicle Storage
The best way to store the vehicle for any
length of time is to plug in the charge cord
and leave it plugged in. The vehicle
monitors and maintains the 12-volt battery
daily. It is okay to leave the vehicle plugged
in for extended periods of time. Once
charged to full, very little energy is required
to maintain the 12-volt battery and high
voltage battery.
If it is not possible to charge the vehicle
with the charge cord left plugged in, be sure
to fully charge the high voltage battery
before storing. The vehicle will stop
maintenance of the 12-volt battery if the
high voltage battery state of charge gets
too low. When storing the vehicle on a long-term
basis:
‐
Keep the high voltage battery state of
charge at 30%.
‐ Attach an AGM/VRLA compatible battery
tender or trickle charger to the 12-volt
battery.
‐ Keep the remote key more than 3 m
(10 ft) away from the vehicle.
12–volt Battery{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful. Always wear
eye protection. See Jump Starting - North
America 0256 for tips on working around
a battery without getting hurt.
A trickle charger may be attached to the
12-volt battery terminals or trickle charge
from the underhood remote positive (+) and
negative (–) terminals. See Jump Starting -
North America 0256 for location of these
terminals.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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222 Vehicle Care
Caution
The vehicle is equipped with an AGM/
VRLA 12-volt battery, which can be
damaged by using the incorrect type of
trickle charger. An AGM/VRLA-compatible
charger must be used, with the
appropriate setting selected. Follow the
trickle charger manufacturer instructions.
With a trickle charger connected to the
12-volt battery, the vehicle will still monitor
the 12-volt battery daily, but it will not use
energy from the high voltage battery for
maintenance.
High Voltage Battery
After extended storage, it is possible that
the vehicle may not operate. If this happens,
the high voltage battery may need to be
plugged in and charged.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and property
could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it
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
0 271.
Replacement blades come in different types
and are removed in different ways. For
proper type and length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0274.
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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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224 Vehicle Care
they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
Your vehicle may be 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.
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 0271.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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240 Vehicle Care
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is
low, add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the inflation
pressure is high, press on the metal
stem in the center of the tire valve to
release air.
Recheck the tire pressure with the tire
gauge.
Put the valve caps back on the valve
stems to keep out dirt and moisture.
Use only valve caps designed for the
vehicle by GM. TPMS sensors could be
damaged and would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensorsmonitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces energy
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on

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Vehicle Care 241
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0241.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0286.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmits
the tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 158.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on each time the vehicle is
started, until the tires are inflated to the
correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For additional
information and details about the DIC
operation and displays see Driver
Information Center (DIC) 099.
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label,
attached to your vehicle, shows the size of
the original equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when they
are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits 0158, for
an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location. Also see
Tire Pressure 0239. The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See
Tire Inspection
0 244, Tire Rotation 0244, and Tires0234.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a
GM-approved liquid tire sealant. Using
non-approved tire sealants could damage the
TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0250 for information
regarding the inflator kit materials and
instructions.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays
on until the vehicle is turned off. A DIC

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244 Vehicle Care
10. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, andrepeat the procedure in Step 7. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display screen
goes off.
11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated according to the
interval listed in the Maintenance
Schedule. See Maintenance Schedule
0 271.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate
the tires as soon as possible, check for
proper tire inflation pressure, and check
for damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires 0245
and Wheel Replacement 0248.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on
the Tire and Loading Information label
after the tires have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0239 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0158.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 241.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 277.

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Vehicle Care 245
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0244 and
Tire Rotation 0244.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.