Maintenance Service: I went to Titus Will Chevy(Olympia, WA) on 10/23/20 to have my 2017 Bolt serviced. (I purchased it in 2019; has 50K miles & I drive 6K miles a year) I brought a list of items to check. However, the first thing intake person asked was for me to have the following 3 things done: Coolant Flush ($150); Transmission Flush ($290); Brake Flush ($140). I realized from the manual, Coolant Flush and Brake Flush would be a 5 yr maintenance, at most. I said no. But what is a Transmission Flush? In searching the manual, no mention of "transmission" at all. If Chevy Bolts need it, how often? Any background on this would be helpful!
Wonderful example of a rip-off place. Good catch. Don't ever go THERE again for sure. Sounds like you did a great job reading the manual.
Transmission flushes are done on automatic transmissions. Your Bolt does not have an automatic transmission. So you don't ever need a transmission flush and that is why you don't see in your car manual.
Although it did not come up with my search, I now have noticed transmission fluid mentioned on p. 310 of the manual. This is so strange to me. I
Yes, the Bolt uses transmission fluid. But the Bolt does not have an automatic transmission and doesn't need a transmission fluid flush. While it may not hurt to do any of the suggested maintenance services, Chevy doesn't think they are necessary. Note to do some of these services may require them to remove a number of parts and then reassemble. So there is always a small chance they will screw it up. Anyhow, it's your money to do as you wish. If you want to watch a bunch of excellent videos on the nuts and bolts of a Chevy Bolt, look at the Weber University YouTube videos by professor Kelly. Here is one on the motor/transmission.
If you haven't already done so, I would suggest you check out one of the Chevy Bolt forums. This one seems to be very active. https://www.chevybolt.org/forums/
Thank you. I will be watching the videos! And I won't be getting the Chevrolet's recommended "transmission flush"
The transmission filter and magnet that collects metal fragments can only be accessed by taking the motor apart. So flushing through or by these items may not do any good and may actually damage the motor and transmission. So I'm with you. Just say no to a transmission flush.