2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Engine Oil and Fluids Guidelines
The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV is a tribute to innovation and sustainability in the ever-changing environment of electric automobiles. While electric powertrains have grabbed center stage, it’s crucial not to overlook the critical role of engine oil and fluids in ensuring that these cutting-edge machines operate and last. In this introduction, we will look at engine oil and fluids for the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, emphasizing their importance in maintaining a smooth and efficient driving experience in this cutting-edge electric vehicle.
As we explore the world of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, we discover a vehicle that symbolizes the future of environmentally responsible mobility. This totally electric vehicle not only challenges traditional conceptions of automobile maintenance, but it also redefines the way we think about movement. The days of traditional internal combustion engines and their sophisticated network of fluids are long gone. The Bolt EV, on the other hand, has a sleek and compact electric engine. However, this does not exclude the vehicle from requiring specialist care, particularly when it comes to lubricants and fluids.
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.
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,
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work, see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed.
Hood
Warning
Components under the hood can get hot during vehicle operation. 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:
- Pull the hood release lever with the symbol. It is on the lower left side of the instrument panel.
- 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.
- Lift the hood and release the hood prop rod from its retainer, in the front of the engine compartment. Securely insert the rod end into the slot marked with an arrow, on the underside of the hood.
To close the hood:
- Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all tools are removed.
Lift the hood and remove the hood prop rod from the underside of the hood. Return the prop rod to its retainer. The prop rod must click into place when returning it to the retainer to prevent hood damage. - Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release it. Check to make sure the hood is latched completely. Repeat this process with additional force if necessary.
Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood is not latched completely. The hood could open fully, block your vision, and cause a crash. You or others could be injured. Always close the hood completely before driving.
Underhood Compartment Overview
- Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
- Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir.
- High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir.
- HPDM (High Power Distribution Module).
- Negative (–) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting – North America .
- APM (Accessory Power Module), OBCM (On-Board Charging Module).
- Brake Fluid Reservoir.
- SPIM, APM, and Charger Module Coolant Reservoir.
- Battery. See Battery – North America
- Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting – North America .
- Underhood Compartment Fuse Block. Underhood Compartment Fuse Block .
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.
The coolant reservoirs are in the underhood compartment.
- Cabin Heating Coolant Reservoir
- High Voltage Battery Coolant Reservoir
- SPIM, APM, and Charger Module
Coolant Reservoir
- Park on a level surface and turn the vehicle off.
- After the system has completely cooled, check that the coolant level is at the cold fill mark on the reservoirs.
- 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 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. - 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
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.
FAQs
While the Bolt EV’s primary propulsion system is electric, auxiliary components such as the power steering, brakes, and gearbox rely on specialized fluids.
The Bolt EV runs on electric motor oil, which is designed exclusively for electric vehicle powertrains.
Oil change frequency varies, but it’s normally advisable to follow the manufacturer’s standards, which commonly suggest replacing the oil every two years or as needed.
Yes, synthetic oil is recommended for the Bolt EV since it provides improved performance and protection for the powertrains of electric vehicles.
In addition to engine oil, you should check the brake fluid, power steering fluid, and coolant.
As part of your standard maintenance, check the brake fluid level and condition on a regular basis. Specific intervals should be found in your owner’s manual.
Yes, use the power steering fluid recommended in the owner’s manual.
No, using the proper coolant type for the Bolt EV is critical to preventing harm and maintaining efficient cooling.
Because the Bolt EV lacks a typical transmission, there is no transmission fluid to replace.
Ignoring maintenance can result in decreased performance, increased component wear and tear, and potentially costly repairs.
While the owner can conduct basic maintenance chores such as monitoring fluid levels, more sophisticated jobs should be completed by certified specialists.
While warranties generally cover defects in materials and workmanship, they do not cover routine wear and tear, such as oil and fluid changes.
Yes, using the wrong fluids might cause damage and decreased performance, thus it’s critical to use the specified fluids.
Some manufacturers provide environmentally friendly or biodegradable fluids. For advice, consult your dealer or your owner’s manual.
If you find a fluid leak, you must remedy it immediately. To minimize further damage, contact your dealer or a skilled technician to identify and repair the problem.
Useful Link
View Full PDF : Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023 User Guide | Auto User Guide
Maintenance Schedule : 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Maintenance Schedule