2012 Service High Voltage Charging System with WOT's Sensor Defeat Plug in place ????
Kudos to WOT for developing his battery coolant level reservoir sensor replacement/defeat plug. This device essentially mimics the electrical characteristics of a properly functioning OEM coolant reservoir sensor. The stock/OEM sensor is a cheap and flakydevice that can and does fail, causing the setting of fault codes that require dealer level tools to clear the codes.
My early 2012 developed the Service High Voltage Charging System error message months after having installed the WOT sensor replacement. This occurred after a successful recharge while still connected. I scanned for the DTC fault codes with a tablet running the Torque app. Initially the codes were B2AAA, P0AA6, P003E, P1FFF, P1FFF. I tried to clear the codes with the Torque app but as WOT has previously posted only dealer level tools can clear all these codes. The clearing process is in fact a reflashing of the software for the HPCM2 module. After my attempt at code clearing another scan reported P0AA6, P1E00, P1FFF.
I could not charge the battery with either my L2 charger or the stock L1. I uninstalled the WOT defeat plug and reinstalled the original stock sensor prior to bringing the Volt to my original new selling dealer service department. All recalls and servicing have been performed by this dealership. The dealer's diagnosis/repair efforts stopped at square one when they discovered that their Fluke 1587 multimeter was missing and was a required tool in the GM diagnostic procedure. Surprising to me was that the next closest Chevrolet Volt dealer also did not have the required instrument. I guess this is a reflection of how few Volts they service. I had to travel to a dealer a hour away who had the required tool.
I was thinking that there must be some real failure, separate from the reservoir coolant sensor issue, that was casing the faults. Possibly a harness issue as a result of poor workmanship when the battery compartment structural enhancement recall was done a couple of years ago. I had asked the dealer service writer to have the tech perform a reflash of the HPCM2 and Battery Energy Control Module to clear the latching error codes as a first step to see if the faults would then reappear. They refused saying that they needed to follow the documented GM diagnostic protocol steps.
They called a day later to report the Volt was now repaired with nothing other than module reprogramming. The notes on the invoice are:
"Scanned for P0AA6 and P1FFF. Isolation test resistance 250K. Bulletin PIC59206 requires to check coolant level, check moisture in battery as well inspect plugs. No issues found. 2880268 reprogram HPCM2 and BECM"
"The HPCM2 is up to date but not BECM. Programmed BECM and tested resistance. Now at correct specs 3000K. All OK at this time. Programmed CD0D3."
I am glad the Service High Voltage Charging System error message is now gone and I will be able to recharge the battery. But, all of the above is a bit baffling to me. With the WOT coolant sensor defeat plug in place for months without issue and the coolant level at the revised proper level, what triggered the error codes? How could reflashing/reprograming the HPCM2 and BECM cause the isolation resistance measured with the Fluke 1587 multimeter to change form an apparently to low 250K to a proper 3000K? This sound illogical to me. And what is the CD0D3 that was reprogrammed, and what does it have to do with the fault? I cannot find anything about the CD0D3.
Should I know reinstall the WOT sensor coolant defeat plug or leave the apparently correctly functioning coolant reservoir sensor in place?
WOT, if you see this post I would appreciate your take on this and guidance.
My early 2012 developed the Service High Voltage Charging System error message months after having installed the WOT sensor replacement. This occurred after a successful recharge while still connected. I scanned for the DTC fault codes with a tablet running the Torque app. Initially the codes were B2AAA, P0AA6, P003E, P1FFF, P1FFF. I tried to clear the codes with the Torque app but as WOT has previously posted only dealer level tools can clear all these codes. The clearing process is in fact a reflashing of the software for the HPCM2 module. After my attempt at code clearing another scan reported P0AA6, P1E00, P1FFF.
I could not charge the battery with either my L2 charger or the stock L1. I uninstalled the WOT defeat plug and reinstalled the original stock sensor prior to bringing the Volt to my original new selling dealer service department. All recalls and servicing have been performed by this dealership. The dealer's diagnosis/repair efforts stopped at square one when they discovered that their Fluke 1587 multimeter was missing and was a required tool in the GM diagnostic procedure. Surprising to me was that the next closest Chevrolet Volt dealer also did not have the required instrument. I guess this is a reflection of how few Volts they service. I had to travel to a dealer a hour away who had the required tool.
I was thinking that there must be some real failure, separate from the reservoir coolant sensor issue, that was casing the faults. Possibly a harness issue as a result of poor workmanship when the battery compartment structural enhancement recall was done a couple of years ago. I had asked the dealer service writer to have the tech perform a reflash of the HPCM2 and Battery Energy Control Module to clear the latching error codes as a first step to see if the faults would then reappear. They refused saying that they needed to follow the documented GM diagnostic protocol steps.
They called a day later to report the Volt was now repaired with nothing other than module reprogramming. The notes on the invoice are:
"Scanned for P0AA6 and P1FFF. Isolation test resistance 250K. Bulletin PIC59206 requires to check coolant level, check moisture in battery as well inspect plugs. No issues found. 2880268 reprogram HPCM2 and BECM"
"The HPCM2 is up to date but not BECM. Programmed BECM and tested resistance. Now at correct specs 3000K. All OK at this time. Programmed CD0D3."
I am glad the Service High Voltage Charging System error message is now gone and I will be able to recharge the battery. But, all of the above is a bit baffling to me. With the WOT coolant sensor defeat plug in place for months without issue and the coolant level at the revised proper level, what triggered the error codes? How could reflashing/reprograming the HPCM2 and BECM cause the isolation resistance measured with the Fluke 1587 multimeter to change form an apparently to low 250K to a proper 3000K? This sound illogical to me. And what is the CD0D3 that was reprogrammed, and what does it have to do with the fault? I cannot find anything about the CD0D3.
Should I know reinstall the WOT sensor coolant defeat plug or leave the apparently correctly functioning coolant reservoir sensor in place?
WOT, if you see this post I would appreciate your take on this and guidance.
41 - 56 of 56 Posts
Sorry for the delay in response.
I followed the instructions here as close as I could: https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthrea...ing-System-quot-Message&p=4153377#post4153377
These instructions don't mention the BECM... so I don't think that one caused the issue I encountered.
Those are my instructions. I did end up flashing the BECM to make sure it was in sync with the updated HPCM2 code that I had flashed. Keep in mind that the BECM flash takes at least 15 minutes. Make sure your laptop has AC power, and just walk away for 30 minutes. Otherwise you’re going to think the flash failed and be tempted to do something bad before the process actually finishes.
*Disclaimer: Flashing a module always carries the risk of bricking it. Proceed at your own risk!
*Disclaimer: Flashing a module always carries the risk of bricking it. Proceed at your own risk!
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^^^ The same happened to me. ^^^
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthrea...or-Defeat-Plug-in-place&p=4402858#post4402858
If I understand this correctly, you are stating that the circuit for the coolant level or WOT sensor plug does not require resistance in order to send the proper signal to the hpcm2 and desires instead to see ideally, a dead short on that circuit throughout, correct? If that is the case, then the WOT defeat plug, or sensor rather, is really just a jumper plug that you could otherwise wire the leads together to short only without the $30-$40 price tag. I assumed that the WOT defeat plug was either a short jumper or at least included a resistor wired in series that the hpcm2 is/was expecting to see. I've defeated a few airbag codes by using resistors instead of deal with the expense of replacing the airbags on a wrecked Volt that I repaired a couple years ago.. Let me know if we are on the same page, much appreciated.
Hi All,
It's been a while since March this year but I have a small update.
The SHVCS message came back on yesterday so I did some reprogramming. First I did the HPCM, which was already up to date, no change in the version of the firmware. That much was made clear by it showing warnings before letting a user reprogram the same version. I also noticed that the update notes for the HPCM mentioned a Gen1 isolation issue.
I then checked the BECM module in SPS and saw its update notes also mentioned this, so I updated the BECM as well. No warning appeared about flashing with the same version, which stands to reason because I didn't update the BECM back in March. I charged for about half an hour just to get enough km for a small test trip, and everything seemed fine. It has since been charging overnight and will be back in regular use as needed.
One thing I noticed however, was that when I was done the reprograms, the main dash said 'service theft deterrent system' before I took the car out of service mode. Once out of service mode, the main dash did not show any messages. I saw the 'service theft deterrent system' message after each re-programming, because I took it out of service mode and powered up normally in between them.
Has anyone seen this message before? Some quick searches have shown that a degrading 12V battery could cause this, so I'm thinking about replacing that out of caution. I bought the car used and have had it for two years, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's starting to degrade.
Thanks.
It's been a while since March this year but I have a small update.
The SHVCS message came back on yesterday so I did some reprogramming. First I did the HPCM, which was already up to date, no change in the version of the firmware. That much was made clear by it showing warnings before letting a user reprogram the same version. I also noticed that the update notes for the HPCM mentioned a Gen1 isolation issue.
I then checked the BECM module in SPS and saw its update notes also mentioned this, so I updated the BECM as well. No warning appeared about flashing with the same version, which stands to reason because I didn't update the BECM back in March. I charged for about half an hour just to get enough km for a small test trip, and everything seemed fine. It has since been charging overnight and will be back in regular use as needed.
One thing I noticed however, was that when I was done the reprograms, the main dash said 'service theft deterrent system' before I took the car out of service mode. Once out of service mode, the main dash did not show any messages. I saw the 'service theft deterrent system' message after each re-programming, because I took it out of service mode and powered up normally in between them.
Has anyone seen this message before? Some quick searches have shown that a degrading 12V battery could cause this, so I'm thinking about replacing that out of caution. I bought the car used and have had it for two years, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's starting to degrade.
Thanks.
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I had the Service Theft Deterrent System alert and it was caused by a weak ground connection. You can find details here to compare to your symptoms:
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?257233-Service-Theft-Deterrent-System
Thank you quantumorbit for the links and advice, sorry for the late reply.
I tried to find both of the parts from that other thread, the x107 and the g103.
I'm pretty sure I found the x107, it's near the passenger side. If I stand near the front bumper and look at the passenger side of the windshield, and then down, there are two rectangular connection blocks beside each other in a plastic holder part. I assume the x107 must be one of these. I wiggled both, and they did not feel loose. Would I want to disconnect the 12V battery before disconnecting these? I don't expect to find a problem with these, but it would be good to see that they are not corroded on the inside.
For the g103, I don't think I found that one... would I have to disconnect the coolant tank that is front and center? From the technical drawing in the thread you linked, it looks like it would be close to this tank, or maybe underneath. I looked at other bolts to the frame without taking anything off, and didn't see any bad corrosion. There was a little rust, but nothing like the picture showing green corrosion on the connector underneath the bolt head.
Out of caution I will replace the 12V battery soon... It makes sense that a new one would keep electrical problems away.
Thanks.
I tried to find both of the parts from that other thread, the x107 and the g103.
I'm pretty sure I found the x107, it's near the passenger side. If I stand near the front bumper and look at the passenger side of the windshield, and then down, there are two rectangular connection blocks beside each other in a plastic holder part. I assume the x107 must be one of these. I wiggled both, and they did not feel loose. Would I want to disconnect the 12V battery before disconnecting these? I don't expect to find a problem with these, but it would be good to see that they are not corroded on the inside.
For the g103, I don't think I found that one... would I have to disconnect the coolant tank that is front and center? From the technical drawing in the thread you linked, it looks like it would be close to this tank, or maybe underneath. I looked at other bolts to the frame without taking anything off, and didn't see any bad corrosion. There was a little rust, but nothing like the picture showing green corrosion on the connector underneath the bolt head.
Out of caution I will replace the 12V battery soon... It makes sense that a new one would keep electrical problems away.
Thanks.
Hi All,
SHVCS has happened twice again since my last post. The car is currently in that state. I suspect winter temps getting below -10C had something to do with it, but I'm not sure.
The first time, these were the codes that showed:
1 - P0AA6 - Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault
2 - P0CD2 - Charge Port Door Unlock Control Performance
3 - P1FFF - DTC P1FFF is an umbrella code
The second time, it had these:
1 - P0AA6 - Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault
2 - P1E00 - Request illuminate MIL (check engine light)
3 - P1FFF - DTC P1FFF is an umbrella code
I'm putting together a troubleshooting list, so please advise me however you can. Also, if you could point me to any other threads where I should also post this, that would be great as well.
Troubleshooting list so far:
1 - Read and record the diagnostic measurements for isolation resistance, and other readings about the high voltage system. Can I do this with my 2-year subscription to SPS? I'm assuming it's possible due to the readings I've seen posted. I'll see what options are presented in the UI...
2 - Check for moisture in the trunk and battery pack. I saw this video about a gasoline-electric hybrid SUV getting moisture in the battery pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH-CjdWMmWQ
I charge outside, with the charger in my trunk, very often. I may have to stop doing this if I can see water damage. I've heard mention of a drain plug on the battery which can be removed and put back in, and if I stick a rolled up paper towel in here, I could check for moisture or coolant. Has anyone located this drain plug? I can only see plates and shields on the bottom of the car.
If I see moisture like this, I'd have to try to stop it getting into the pack... which may be hard, but I'd still know the heart of the problem.
3 - Calibrations. Is there a calibration setting that I can manipulate when the ECMs are programmed? If I find that they are not set to the newest, I would reprogram the HPCM2 and BECM with the newest and then see how long it takes for the SHVCS message to come back.
4 - Upgrading the firmware on other modules. quantumorbit stated earlier that he updated a list of modules: Battery Charger Control Module, Body Control Module, Coolant Heater Control Module, Engine Control Module and Electric Power Steering Control Module.
I only reprogrammed the HPCM2 and BECM, so that is one delta between his process and mine. I would upgrade all of these to the latest version, then see how long it takes for the SHVCS message to come back.
5 - Start and stop the car with the coolant sensor in different positions to see if that wiring is provoking this. I don't expect this to have any effect, because the P0AA6 code indicates a isolation fault in the 300V battery... not a low coolant level.
6 - Replace the 12V battery. I have not yet replaced this... shame on me. I have seen a 'service theft deterrent system' after reprogramming the 2nd last time, but not on the last time. The only thing though - the vehicle can turn the engine over fine, I don't hear any noise like an ICE car starting when it's very cold. If nothing else seems to help though, this is worth a try despite the cost.
If the above steps yield no useful information, I guess I'd have to assume it's a problem with the wiring or the 300V battery. At that point I'd have to ask, does anyone know who is the best dealership in Ontario for Volts? I'm out of warantee b/c I'm over 160,000km in Canada. It's worth a drive if they are quite knowledgeable and I wouldn't be just throwing money away dealing with them.
Any advice about this approach would be awesome. Thanks again everyone.
SHVCS has happened twice again since my last post. The car is currently in that state. I suspect winter temps getting below -10C had something to do with it, but I'm not sure.
The first time, these were the codes that showed:
1 - P0AA6 - Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault
2 - P0CD2 - Charge Port Door Unlock Control Performance
3 - P1FFF - DTC P1FFF is an umbrella code
The second time, it had these:
1 - P0AA6 - Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault
2 - P1E00 - Request illuminate MIL (check engine light)
3 - P1FFF - DTC P1FFF is an umbrella code
I'm putting together a troubleshooting list, so please advise me however you can. Also, if you could point me to any other threads where I should also post this, that would be great as well.
Troubleshooting list so far:
1 - Read and record the diagnostic measurements for isolation resistance, and other readings about the high voltage system. Can I do this with my 2-year subscription to SPS? I'm assuming it's possible due to the readings I've seen posted. I'll see what options are presented in the UI...
2 - Check for moisture in the trunk and battery pack. I saw this video about a gasoline-electric hybrid SUV getting moisture in the battery pack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH-CjdWMmWQ
I charge outside, with the charger in my trunk, very often. I may have to stop doing this if I can see water damage. I've heard mention of a drain plug on the battery which can be removed and put back in, and if I stick a rolled up paper towel in here, I could check for moisture or coolant. Has anyone located this drain plug? I can only see plates and shields on the bottom of the car.
If I see moisture like this, I'd have to try to stop it getting into the pack... which may be hard, but I'd still know the heart of the problem.
3 - Calibrations. Is there a calibration setting that I can manipulate when the ECMs are programmed? If I find that they are not set to the newest, I would reprogram the HPCM2 and BECM with the newest and then see how long it takes for the SHVCS message to come back.
4 - Upgrading the firmware on other modules. quantumorbit stated earlier that he updated a list of modules: Battery Charger Control Module, Body Control Module, Coolant Heater Control Module, Engine Control Module and Electric Power Steering Control Module.
I only reprogrammed the HPCM2 and BECM, so that is one delta between his process and mine. I would upgrade all of these to the latest version, then see how long it takes for the SHVCS message to come back.
5 - Start and stop the car with the coolant sensor in different positions to see if that wiring is provoking this. I don't expect this to have any effect, because the P0AA6 code indicates a isolation fault in the 300V battery... not a low coolant level.
6 - Replace the 12V battery. I have not yet replaced this... shame on me. I have seen a 'service theft deterrent system' after reprogramming the 2nd last time, but not on the last time. The only thing though - the vehicle can turn the engine over fine, I don't hear any noise like an ICE car starting when it's very cold. If nothing else seems to help though, this is worth a try despite the cost.
If the above steps yield no useful information, I guess I'd have to assume it's a problem with the wiring or the 300V battery. At that point I'd have to ask, does anyone know who is the best dealership in Ontario for Volts? I'm out of warantee b/c I'm over 160,000km in Canada. It's worth a drive if they are quite knowledgeable and I wouldn't be just throwing money away dealing with them.
Any advice about this approach would be awesome. Thanks again everyone.
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kwantorbit. Did you find these pins on HPCM2?
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This thread originally began with the OP wondering about failures where SHVCS was triggered even with WoT's plug. Well, that just happened to me. I had the SHVCS four times before moving to WoT's plug. It's been solid for some time, but SHVCS triggered today. BUT, what makes this curious....is that when I checked under the hood....my batter coolant bottle was TOTALLY empty! Well, that's not good. And is very interesting. Now, everyone will be saying that Wot's plug is fine and SHVCS triggered because other sensors detected the low coolant. But, no. Long time veterans on this topic will know that WoT in multiple posts was absolutely clear that the ONLY way to trigger SHVCS was THIS sensor. But, this sensor on my Volt is currently just WoT's plug. So....WoT's plug has unfortunately failed for me and it's coincidence the fluid actually IS empty. Who knows how long it's been like that. As WoT stated, and actually tested himself, Volts can operated with an empty battery collant bottle.
So, add my experience as a data point that WoT's plug (actually WoT's 2nd son's plug, lol) can fail. I'll mention I was an early tester of his plug before he started sales, so his 'production' plugs may have been refined - maybe?
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And write us what DCT you have revealed? WOT wrote about the fact that there can be many other errors. It is true that he also wrote that SHVCS is revealed only as a result of low level or problem with the installation. So the question is what is the module saying now? I have two errors P1FFF and P1E00 with a 2.47km resistor connected. That is, I removed a magnetic contact from the sensor that contained a value of 17.4 to zero. And the error occurred again. The fact that after 7 days but occurred. I was surprised by the frozen frame that showed the 0.00kochm insulation test. This is a short circuit. After connecting GDS2 and doing the test I have the result = 650kochm, so the question is where is hypocrisy ?. Someone describe how to check the insulation with a meter. Maybe it is a problem with some 380V device. The only question is why the errors concern the sensor and there are no others?
did you solve your problem, I have the same problem right now
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146 Posts
Could be the wiring leading to the sensor too. What year is your Volt?
This is the most informative and in depth posts I have read on a forum!!!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to take your in great knowledge, apply it to this post, and spell it out so well, for everyone to to understand and consider!
I couldn't agree more that.. this could cause many intermittent electrical problems, especially in a car that rely's on some many things from the 12V system.
Well done!
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