2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Keys and Smart Key Guide

The smart key also makes access and leaving easier. As you approach your Bolt EV, the key senses your presence and opens the doors automatically, making access to your electric vehicle simple and efficient. When you’re ready to leave, a single tap on the door handle starts the locking procedure, putting an end to the days of fumbling for keys in your pocket or purse.

Finally, the keys and smart key system of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV represent Chevrolet’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric design. These keys are more than just a means of entry; they symbolize a vision for the future of electric mobility, in which technology and convenience effortlessly merge to deliver a driving experience unlike any other. The future has been unlocked, and it is ready to be driven, with the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Keys and Locks

Keys

Warning
Leaving children in a vehicle with a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter is dangerous and children or others could be seriously injured or killed. They could operate the power windows or other controls or make the vehicle move. The windows will function with the RKE transmitter in the vehicle, and children or others could be caught in the path of a closing window. Do not leave children in a vehicle with an RKE transmitter.

The key that is part of the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter can be used for all locks.

To remove the key, press the button near the bottom of the transmitter, and pull the key out. Never pull the key out without pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn the key,
inspect the key blade for debris. Periodically, clean the key with a brush or a pick.
See your dealer if a new key is needed.
If locked out of the vehicle, see Roadside Assistance Program.
With an active OnStar or connected service plan, an OnStar Advisor may remotely unlock the vehicle.

Remote Key

See Radio Frequency Statement. If there is a decrease in the remote key operating range:

Check the distance. The remote key may be too far from the vehicle.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may be blocking the signal.
Check the remote key’s battery. See “Battery Replacement” later in this section.
If the remote key is still not working correctly, see your dealer or a qualified technician for service.

Remote Key Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for vehicle entry when the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless Access Operation” later in this section.
The remote key may work up to 60 m (197 f t) away from the vehicle. Other conditions can affect the performance of the remote key.

Press to lock all doors.

The turn signal indicators may flash and/or the horn may sound on the second press to indicate locking. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”. If the driver door is open when is pressed, and Open Door Anti-Lockout is enabled, all doors will lock and then the driver door will immediately unlock. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”. If a passenger door is open when Q is pressed,
all doors lock.

Pressing may also arm the theft-deterrent system.
Press to unlock the driver door. Press unlock again within five seconds to unlock all doors. The remote key can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first button press. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”. The turn signal indicators may flash to indicate unlocking has occurred. Pressing may also disarm the theft-deterrent system. See Vehicle Alarm System 0 24. If equipped with remote windows, press and hold K to remotely open the windows, if enabled. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.

If equipped, press twice quickly to open or close the liftgate. Press again to stop the power liftgate.

Press and release one time to initiate the vehicle locator. The exterior lamps flash and the horn chirps three times. Press and hold for at least three seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn sounds and the turn signals flash for 30 seconds, or until is pressed again or the vehicle is started.
If equipped, first press and release then immediately press and hold for at least four seconds to start the engine from outside the vehicle using the remote key.

Keyless Access Operation

The Keyless Access system allows the doors to be locked and unlocked and the liftgate to be accessed without removing the remote key from a pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The remote key should be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened. There will be buttons on the outside door handles. Keyless Access can be programmed to unlock all doors on the first lock/unlock press from the driver door. Keyless Access can also be turned off. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.
If equipped with memory seats, remote keys 1 and 2 are linked to seating positions of memory 1 or 2.

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from the Driver Door

When the doors are locked and the remote key is within 1 m (3 f t) of the driver door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on the driver door handle will unlock the driver door. If the lock/unlock button is pressed again within five seconds, all passenger doors will unlock.

Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause all doors to lock if any of the following occur:

It has been more than five seconds since the first lock/unlock button press.
Two lock/unlock button presses were used to unlock all doors.
Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now closed.

To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.

Keyless Unlocking/Locking from Passenger Doors

When the doors are locked and the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the door handle, pressing the lock/unlock button on that door handle will unlock all doors.

Pressing the lock/unlock button will cause all doors to lock if any of the following occur:

The lock/unlock button was used to unlock all doors.
Any vehicle door has opened and all doors are now closed.

Disable/Enable Keyless Unlocking of Exterior Door Handles and Liftgate

If equipped, keyless unlocking of the exterior door handles and liftgate can be disabled and enabled.

Disabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold and on the remote key at the same time for approximately three seconds. The turn signal lamps will flash four times quickly to indicate access is disabled. Using any exterior handle to unlock the doors or open the liftgate will cause the turn signal lamps to flash four times quickly, indicating access is disabled. If disabled, disarm the alarm system before starting the vehicle.

Enabling Keyless Unlocking:
With the vehicle off, press and hold and on the remote key at the same time for approximately three seconds. The turn signal lamps will flash twice quickly to indicate access is enabled. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.

Passive Locking
This vehicle will lock several seconds after all doors are closed if the vehicle is off and at least one remote key has been removed or none remains in the interior.

If other electronic devices interfere with the remote key signal, the vehicle may not detect the remote key inside the vehicle.

If passive locking is enabled, the doors may lock with the remote key inside the vehicle. Do not leave the remote key in an unattended vehicle.

Temporary Disable of Passive Locking

Temporarily disable passive locking by pressing and holding on the interior door switch with a door open for at least four seconds, or until three chimes are heard. Passive locking will then remain disabled until on the interior door is pressed, or until the vehicle is started.

Remote Left In Vehicle Alert
When the vehicle is turned off and an remote key is left in the vehicle, the horn will chirp three times after all doors are closed.
To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.

Remote No Longer In Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open, and then all doors are closed, the vehicle will check for remote keys inside. If an remote key is not detected, the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display NO REMOTE DETECTED and the horn will chirp three times. This occurs only once each time the vehicle is driven. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Remote Lock, Unlock, Start”.

Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touch pad on the underside of the liftgate glass and lift up to open if the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) and the doors are locked. If the doors are unlocked, the remote key is not required to open the liftgate. See Liftgate 0 18.

Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak remote key batter.

Programming Remote Keys to the Vehicle

Only remote keys programmed to the vehicle will work. If a remote key is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased and programmed through your dealer. The vehicle can be reprogrammed so that lost or stolen remote keys no longer work. Any remaining remote keys will need to be reprogrammed. Each vehicle can have up to eight remote keys matched to it.

Programming with Two Recognized Remote Keys
A new remote key can be programmed to the vehicle when there are two recognized remote keys. To program, the vehicle must be off and all of the remote keys, both currently recognized and new, must be with you.

Open the center console. Place the two recognized remote keys in the backup location with the buttons facing down.
Remove the key lock cylinder cover on the driver door handle. See Door Locks 0 15. Insert the vehicle key of the new remote key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds.
The DIC displays READY FOR REMOTE 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.
Place the remote key to be programmed in the backup location with the buttons facing down.
Press POWER O to start the vehicle. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show that it is ready to program the next remote key.
Remove the remote key from the backup location and pressor.
To program additional remote keys, repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional remote keys are programmed, press and hold POWER O for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Put the key back into the remote key.
Replace the key lock cylinder cap.

Programming without Two Recognized Remote Keys

If two currently recognized remote keys are not available, follow this procedure to program up to eight remote keys. This feature is not available in Canada. This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. The vehicle must be off and all of the remote keys to be programmed must be with you.

Remove the key lock cylinder cover on the driver door handle. See Door Locks 0 15. Insert the vehicle key of the remote key into the key lock cylinder on the driver door handle and turn the key to the unlock position five times within 10 seconds. The DIC displays REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Wait for 10 minutes until the DIC displays PRESS ENGINE START BUTTON TO LEARN and then press POWER . The DIC will again show REMOTE LEARN PENDING, PLEASE WAIT.
Repeat Step 2 two additional times. After the third time, all previously known remote keys will no longer work with the vehicle. Remaining remote keys can be relearned during the next steps. The DIC should now show READY FOR REMOTE # 1.
Open the center console. Place the remote key in the backup location with the buttons facing down.
Press POWER O to start the vehicle. When the remote key is learned, the DIC will show that it is ready to program the next remote key.
Remove the remote key from the backup location and press or Q. To program additional remote keys, repeat Steps 4–6. When all additional remote keys are programmed, press and hold POWER O for 12 seconds to exit programming mode.
Put the key back into the remote key.
Replace the key lock cylinder cap.

Starting the Vehicle with a Low remote key Battery

While trying to start the vehicle, if the remote key battery is weak or if there is interference with the signal, the DIC may display NO REMOTE DETECTED or USE TRANSMITTER POCKET TO START. The DIC may also display REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY.
Note that, for improved vehicle security, the remote key is equipped with a motion sensor. When starting the vehicle, if the remote key has been idle for a while, move the remote key slightly and try starting the vehicle.

To start the vehicle

Open the center console. Place the remote key in the backup location with the buttons facing down.
With the vehicle in (Park) or N (Neutral), press the brake pedal and press POWER O. Replace the remote key battery as soon as possible.

Battery Replacement

Warning
Never allow children to play with the remote key. The remote key contains a small battery, which can be a choking hazard. If swallowed, internal burns can occur, resulting in severe injury or death. Seek medical attention immediately if a battery is swallowed.

Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not touch metal surfaces on the remote key when it has been exposed to extreme heat. These surfaces can be hot to the touch at temperatures above 59 °C (138 °F).

Caution
When replacing the battery, do not touch any of the circuitry on the remote key. Static from your body could damage the remote key.

Caution
Always replace the battery with the correct type. Replacing the battery with an incorrect type could potentially create a risk of battery explosion. Dispose of used batteries according to instructions and local laws. Do not attempt to burn, crush, or cut the used battery, and avoid exposing the battery to environments with extremely low air pressures or high temperatures.

Caution
If the remote key is not reassembled properly, liquids could enter the housing and damage the circuitry, resulting in a remote key malfunction and/or failure. To prevent damage, always follow the steps for remote key reassembly in this manual to ensure the remote key is sealed properly whenever the remote key is opened. Replace the battery if the DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY. The battery is not rechargeable.

To replace the battery

Press the button on the side of the remote key near the bottom and pull the key out.
Never pull the key out without pressing the button.
Separate the two halves of the remote key using a flat tool inserted into the area near the key slot.
Remove the battery by pushing on the battery and sliding it toward the bottom of the remote key.
Insert the new battery, the positive side facing the back cover. Push the battery down until it is held in place. Replace with a CR 2032 or equivalent battery.
Ensure that the silicone mat is correctly positioned with no gaps or wrinkles.
Set the remote key button side down on a hard surface and press the other half straight down to force the halves together.
Reinsert the key into the remote key.

Remote Start

This feature starts the heating or air conditioning systems and the rear window defogger from outside the vehicle. Use remote start to heat or cool the interior when the vehicle is plugged in to maximize electric range by utilizing electricity from the electrical outlet. Normal operation of the system will return after the vehicle has been turned on.

This button is on the remote key.

The climate control system will use the previous settings during a remote start. The rear defog may come on during remote start based on cold ambient conditions. The rear defogs indicator light does not come on during a remote start. Laws in some local communities may restrict the use of remote starters. For example, some laws require a person using remote start to have the vehicle in view. Check local regulations for any requirements. If the vehicle is low on energy, do not use the remote start feature. The vehicle may run out of energy. The remote key range may be less while the vehicle is running. Other conditions can affect the performance of the remote key.

Remote Starting the Vehicle

To remote start the vehicle:

Press and release on the remote key.
Immediately press and hold for at least four seconds or until the turn signal lamps flash.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, press POWER O with the brake pedal applied to start the vehicle and operate as normal.

Remote start will automatically shut off after 20 minutes unless a time extension is done. When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn on. Remote start run time can be extended.

Extending Vehicle Run Time
The vehicle run time can also be extended by another 20 minutes if after 30 seconds and during the first 20 minutes Steps 1 and 2 are repeated while the vehicle is running. This provides a total of 40 minutes. The remote start can only be extended once. A maximum of two remote starts, or a single start with an extension, are allowed between power cycles using POWER O. For additional remote starts, turn the vehicle on with the remote key in the vehicle.

Canceling Remote Start

To cancel a remote start, do any of the following:

Press and hold until the parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Press POWER with the brake pedal applied, then press POWER again to turn the vehicle off.

Conditions in Which Remote Start Will Not Work

The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if:

The remote key is in the vehicle.
The vehicle is on.
The hood is not closed.
The hazard warning flashers are on.
The electric drive unit coolant temperature is too high.
Two remote vehicle starts, or a single remote start with an extension, have already been used.
The vehicle is not in P (Park).

Door Locks

Warning
Unlocked doors can be dangerous.

Passengers, especially children, can easily open the doors and fall out of a moving vehicle. The doors can be unlocked and opened while the vehicle is moving. The chance of being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash is increased if the doors are not locked. So, all passengers should wear seat belts properly and the doors should be locked whenever the vehicle is driven.
Young children who get into unlocked vehicles may be unable to get out.
A child can be overcome by extreme heat and can suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke. Always lock the vehicle whenever leaving it.
Outsiders can easily enter through an unlocked door when you slow down or stop the vehicle. Locking the doors can help prevent this from happening.

To lock or unlock the doors from outside the vehicle:

Use the key in the driver’s door to lock and unlock the door without the remote key. The key cylinder is covered with a cap. See “Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In Case of Dead Battery)” later in this section.
Press or on the remote key to lock and unlock the doors.

To lock or unlock the doors from inside the vehicle:

Press or on the power door lock switch.
Pull the door handle. Pulling an interior door handle will unlock the door. Pulling the door handle again unlatches it.

Keyless Access
The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the liftgate or door being opened. Press the button on the door handle to open.

Driver Door Key Lock Cylinder Access (In Case of Dead Battery)

To access the driver door key lock cylinder

Insert the key into the slot on the bottom of the cap.
Lift the key upward to remove the cap.
Insert the key into the cylinder and turn to unlock

To replace the cap:

Position the bottom edge of the cap under the lower edge of the metal piece (2). The tabs (3) attach to the metal piece (2) at the positions (1).
Rotate the cap upward and install it into place.
Check that the cap is secure.

Free-Turning Locks
The door key lock cylinder turns freely when either the wrong key is used, or the correct key is not fully inserted. The free-turning
door lock feature prevents the lock from being forced open. To reset the lock, turn it to the vertical position with the correct key fully inserted. Remove the key and insert it again. If this does not reset the lock, turn the key halfway around in the cylinder and repeat the reset procedure.

Power Door Locks

Press to unlock the doors.

Press to lock the doors.

Locking and unlocking the doors will also unlock the liftgate. See Liftgate .

Delayed Locking

This feature delays the actual locking of the doors until five seconds after all doors are closed. Delayed locking can only be turned on when the Unlocked Door Anti Lockout feature has been turned off.
Press on the power door lock switch with the door open.
The doors will then lock automatically five seconds after all doors are closed. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five-second timer will reset once all the doors are closed again.
Press on the door lock switch again or
press on the remote key to override this feature and lock the doors immediately.
Delayed locking can be programmed. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Automatic Door Locks

The doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the vehicle is on, and the shift switch is out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked and then opened and closed, the doors will lock either when your foot is removed from the brake or the vehicle speed becomes faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).

To unlock the doors:

Press K on a door.
Shift the vehicle into P (Park).

Automatic door unlocking can be programmed. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Lockout Protection

If the vehicle is on and the power door lock switch is pressed with the driver door open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock.
If the vehicle is off and locking is requested while a door is open when all doors are closed the vehicle will check for RKE transmitters inside. If an RKE transmitter is detected and the number of RKE transmitters inside has not reduced, the driver door will unlock and the horn will chirp three times. Lockout Protection can be manually overridden with the driver door open by pressing and holding on the power door lock switch.

If Unlocked Door Anti Lockout is turned on and the vehicle is off, the driver door is open, and locking is requested, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock. The Unlocked Door Anti Lockout feature can be turned on or off. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Power Door Locks.

Safety Locks

If equipped, the safety lock is on the inside edge of the rear doors.

To use the safety lock

Move the lever forward to the lock position.
Close the door.
Do the same for the other rear door.

To open a rear door when the safety lock is on

Unlock the door by using the inside handle, the power door lock switch, or the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
Open the door from the outside.
When the safety lock is enabled, adults and older children will not be able to open the rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety locks to enable the doors to open from the inside.

To cancel the safety lock

Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
Move the lever rearward to unlock. Do the same for the other door.

Doors

Liftgate

Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or liftgate glass, make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.

To lock or unlock the liftgate from the outside, press or on the remote key.

To open the liftgate, press the touch pad in the liftgate handle and lift up.

When closing the liftgate, use the pull cup.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent features; however, they do not make the vehicle impossible to steal.

Vehicle Alarm System

This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm system

The red indicator light, on the instrument panel near the windshield, indicates the status of the system:
Off : Alarm system is disarmed.
On Solid : Vehicle is secured during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash : Vehicle is unsecured. A door, the
hood, or the liftgate is open.
Slow Flash : Alarm system is armed.

Arming the Alarm System

Close the liftgate, then turn off the vehicle.
Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
- Use the RKE transmitter.
- Use the Keyless Access system.
- With a door open, press the inside .
After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm. Pressing on the RKE transmitter a second time will bypass the 30-second delay and immediately arm the alarm system.

The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the doors are locked with the key.
If the driver door is opened without first unlocking with the RKE transmitter, the horn will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started, or the door is not unlocked by pressing on the RKE transmitter during the 10-second pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
If a door or the liftgate is opened without first disarming the system, the turn signals will flash and the horn will sound for about 30 seconds. The alarm system will then re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized event.

Disarming the System
Do one of the following to disarm the alarm system or turn off the alarm if it has been activated:

Press K on the RKE transmitter.
Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless Access system.
Start the vehicle.

To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:

Lock the vehicle after all occupants have left the vehicle.
Always unlock a door with the RKE transmitter.
Unlocking the driver door with the key will not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.

How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If is pressed on the RKE transmitter and the horn chirps and the lights flash three times, an alarm occurred previously while the alarm system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message will appear on the DIC.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement.

Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically immobilized
when the remote key leaves the vehicle.
The immobilization system is disarmed when POWERO is pressed and a valid remote key is found in the vehicle.

The security light on the instrument cluster comes on when there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more remote keys matched to an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle. Only a correctly matched remote key will start the vehicle. If the remote key is damaged, you may not be able to start the vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the security light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on.
If the vehicle does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the vehicle off and try again.
If the remote key appears to be undamaged, try another remote key, or place the remote key in the remote key pocket.
See “Starting the Vehicle with a Low Remote Key Battery” under Remote Key Operation.
If the vehicle does not start with the other remote key or with the remote key placed in the remote key pocket, the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer who can service the theft-deterrent system and have a new remote key programmed to the vehicle.
Do not leave the remote key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.

Useful Link

View Full PDF : Chevrolet Bolt EV 2023 User Guide | Auto User Guide
Warning Lights : 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV Warning Lights Instructions

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