battery CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2023 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
218 Vehicle Care
1. Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir
2. High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir
3. SPIM, APM, and Charger ModuleCoolant Reservoir
1. Park on a level surface and turn thevehicle 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 0216 for
reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that contains
any type of water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip, and may also clog the
washer nozzle.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.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 for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
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)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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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-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
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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Vehicle Care 243
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
The TPMS sensor matching process should also be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the vehicle has
been turned off and started again. The
sensors are matched to the tire/wheel
positions, using a TPMS relearn tool, in the
following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear. See your dealer for
service or to purchase a relearn tool.
A TPMS relearn tool can also be purchased.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor Activation
Tool at www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Press POWEROto start the vehicle. See
Power Button 0161. 3. Make sure the Tire Pressure info page
option is turned on. The info pages on
the DIC can be turned on and off
through the Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) 099.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold the thumbwheel in the center of the DIC controls.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC screen.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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256 Vehicle Care
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America
For more information about the vehicle
battery, seeBattery - North America 0220.
If the 12-volt battery has run down, try to
use another vehicle and some jumper cables
to start your vehicle. Be sure to use the
following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
The high voltage battery cannot be jump
started either with another vehicle or
battery charger. Personal injury, death,
or damage to the vehicle could result.
{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.
Wash hands after handling. For more
information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. See
California Proposition 65 Warning 01.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can burn you.
.They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
.They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
Use eye protection when handling the
battery. If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these things can
hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Trying
to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling
it will not work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
Discharged Battery Positive (+) Terminal
The discharged battery positive (+) terminal
is on the driver side of the vehicle, under a
bracket and a trim cover.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 257
Remove the bracket and open the trim cover
to expose the terminal.
Discharged Battery Negative (–) GroundingPoint
The discharged battery negative (–)
grounding point is a stud on a bracket
located near the Accessory Power
Module (APM).
The good battery positive (+) terminal and
the good battery negative (–) terminal are
on the battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start. 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 0163.
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
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, 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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258 Vehicle Care
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+)cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery
positive (+) terminal.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative
(–) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the discharged
battery negative (–) grounding point.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery.
10. Try to start the vehicle with the discharged battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal. Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Reinstall the bracket to protect the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal after
jump starting.
Caution
If the bracket is not reinstalled, the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal
can be damaged in a crash and the
electrical systems may not work properly.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 259
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” underElectric Drive
Unit 0165 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0256
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the non-rolling
tires to prevent vehicle damage.
Front Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 261
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.The vehicle was not designed to be towed
with all four wheels on the ground. If the
vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be
used. See
“Dolly Towing” following.
Dolly Towing
Tow the vehicle with the two rear wheels
on the ground and the front wheels on a
dolly.
To tow the vehicle from the front with the
rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Shift the vehicle into P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0163.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's
instructions for preparing the vehicle and
dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Turn the vehicle off.
8. Open the hood.
9. Wait two minutes.
10. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
11. Close and latch the hood.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear