light CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2023 Workshop Manual

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
156 Driving and Operating
warning clues—such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to one side. You
could lose control of the vehicle. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
After driving through a large puddle of
water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through flowing water
could cause the vehicle to be carried
away. If this happens, you and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive through
flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build
up under the vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can happen if the
road is wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it
has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow
down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather
driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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158 Driving and Operating
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
The Traction Control System (TCS) must be
turned off by pressing the TCS/ESC button.
Traction control is not completely off, but
will only engage if the maneuver can cause
damage to the electric drive unit.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an underhood
compartment fire or other damage. Spin
the wheels as little as possible and avoid
going above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off TCS. Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning
the wheels as little as possible. To prevent
electric drive unit wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the electric drive unit is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward
and reverse directions causes a rocking
motion that could free the vehicle. If that
does not get the vehicle out after a few
tries, it might need to be towed out. See
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
0258.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it may properly carry: the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
vehicle's center pillar (B-pillar). The Tire
and Loading Information label shows

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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162 Driving and Operating
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active until the driver door is opened.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the vehicle off by
pressing POWER
O.
4. Set the parking brake.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
disable the airbags. While driving, only
shut the propulsion system off in an
emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold POWER
Ofor longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds. ON/RUN :
This position is for starting and
driving. With the vehicle off, and the brake
pedal applied, pressing POWER
Oonce will
place the vehicle in ON/RUN. When the
vehicle ready light is on in the instrument
cluster, the vehicle is ready to be driven.
This could take up to 15 seconds at
extremely cold temperatures.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the service vehicle soon light as
may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding POWER
Ofor more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN, but the
vehicle will not be able to be driven. The
propulsion system will not start in Service
Mode. Press POWER
Oagain to turn the
vehicle off.
Caution
Placing the vehicle in Service Mode will
use the 12-volt battery. Do not use
Service Mode for an extended period,
or the vehicle may not start.
Starting and Stopping the Vehicle
Starting Procedure
Shift the vehicle to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The propulsion system will not start in any
other position.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving or the electric drive unit
could be damaged. Shift to P (Park) only
when the vehicle is stopped.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the vehicle
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 163
The remote key must be in the vehicle.
Press the brake pedal, then press and
release POWER
O.
If the remote key is not in the vehicle or
something is interfering with the key, a
message displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the vehicle will not start due to a low
remote key battery, the vehicle can still be
driven. See Remote Key Operation 07.
A vehicle ready light displays in the lower
right corner of the instrument cluster when
the vehicle is ready to be driven.
The instrument cluster also displays an
active battery gauge when the vehicle is
ready to be driven. Restarting Procedure
If the vehicle must be restarted while it is
still moving, press the N (Neutral) switch and
press POWER
Otwice without pressing the
brake pedal. The propulsion system will not
restart in any other position.
A chime will sound if the driver door is
opened while the vehicle is on. Always press
POWER
Oto turn the vehicle off before
exiting.
Stopping Procedure
For information on how to turn the vehicle
off, see Power Button 0161.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following features will operate for up to
10 minutes or until the driver door is
opened:
.Audio System
.Accessory Power Outlets
.Power Windows
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See “Electric Parking
Brake.”
2. Press the P (Park) switch on the center console.
3. Turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a
hill, the electric parking brake (EPB) may
apply automatically. The driver may not be
able to release the EPB using the EPB
switch. It should automatically release when
the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Propulsion
System On
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the P (Park) button is not pressed with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
propulsion system is running. If you have
left the propulsion system running, the (Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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164 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake and press the P (Park)
button.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
propulsion system running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) with the parking brake set
before leaving the vehicle. After pressing the
P (Park) button, hold down the regular brake
pedal. If you cannot see the P (Park)
indicator in the instrument cluster, the
vehicle has not shifted into P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electric
drive unit. To shift out of P (Park), the
vehicle must be on, the brake pedal must be
applied, and the charge cord must be
unplugged.
Parking the vehicle in extreme cold for
several days without the charge cord
connected may cause the vehicle not to start. The vehicle will need to be plugged in
to allow the high voltage battery to be
warmed sufficiently.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press POWER
Oto start the vehicle.
3. Verify that the vehicle is unplugged and the vehicle ready light is on.
4. Press or pull the desired shift switch on the center console. For N (Neutral) press
and hold the N (Neutral) switch until the
N indicator illuminates red.
The P indicator will turn white and the gear
indicator on the selected shift switch will
turn red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may be displayed. Check that the vehicle is
on, the vehicle ready light is on, and the
brake pedal is applied when you are
attempting to shift out of P (Park). If all of
these are met but the vehicle will not shift
out of P (Park), see your dealer for service.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left on, be sure it
will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0163.
If the vehicle is left parked and on with the
remote key outside the vehicle, it will
remain on for up to an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and on with the
remote key inside the vehicle, it will remain
on for up to two hours.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is on.
Electric Vehicle Operating
Modes
Driver Selected Operating Modes
Sport Mode
Sport Mode provides more responsive
acceleration than Normal Mode, but can
reduce efficiency. When the SPORT indicator
is not on, the vehicle is in Normal Mode.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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168 Driving and Operating
.There is a problem with the propulsion
system.
To drive, press the accelerator pedal again
and the electric parking brake will
automatically disengage.
One-Pedal Driving may shift the car into
P (Park) if the vehicle is pushed once it has
been stopped or if a problem with the
propulsion system develops.
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 086.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 085 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 085.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 169
Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the vehicle on.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.

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Driving and Operating 171
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), an electronic stability control
system. These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining control,
especially on slippery road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces propulsion system power to
limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control or adaptive cruise control is
being used and TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control oradaptive cruise control will disengage. Cruise
control or adaptive cruise control may be
turned back on when road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
“Turning the Systems Off and On”
later in
this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working. If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the vehicle off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the vehicle.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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172 Driving and Operating
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster.
To turn TCS on again, press and release
g.
The traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
gis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
guntil the traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster.
StabiliTrak can only be disabled below
56 km/h (35 mph).
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press and release
g. The traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0213.
Cruise Control
The cruise control lets the vehicle maintain a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator. Cruise control does not work at
speeds below 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
With the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC),
the system may begin to limit wheel spin
while you are using cruise control. If this
happens, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0171. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0189.
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, cruise control can be turned
back on.
If the brakes or the Regen on Demand
paddle are applied, cruise control
disengages.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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174 Driving and Operating
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster079. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed. While pressing the
accelerator pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise control, briefly
pressing −SET will result in cruise control set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends upon the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle
speed. When going downhill, you might
have to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep your speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
There are five ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the electric drive unit to N (Neutral).
.Press5to turn the cruise control system
off completely.
.Activate Regen on Demand. See “Regen
on Demand” underRegenerative Braking
0 170.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
5is pressed or if the vehicle is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control (Camera)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time between
your vehicle and a vehicle detected directly
ahead in your path, moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in your
path, ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses a windshield mounted front
camera sensor.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
apply acceleration or limited, moderate
braking to maintain the selected following
gap. To disengage ACC, apply the brake. If ACC is controlling the vehicle speed when
the Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system activates, ACC may automatically
disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0171. When road conditions
allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can be
turned back on.
When ACC is braking, a momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard from the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). This is normal.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC system
will disengage and prevent engagement
of ACC.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate, especially
when used on expressways, freeways, and
interstate highways. When used on other
roads, you may need to take over the
control of braking or acceleration more
often.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle down
while navigating the curve and may increase
speed out of the curve, but will not exceed
the set speed.