Am I right to read into this that it is only done after damage, and not as a preventative?If this is a Gen 1 volt then its covered under the Voltec warranty. There is a bulletin for this issue to add a extra protective screen and in the bulletin it states to do this under warranty and not customer pay. You need to ask them about this and if they still will not cover it, get GM involved. I have done over 20 of these under warranty and never had a problem with GM paying the bill.
#13-06-02-001A: Supplemental Repair Required for Drive Motor Battery Coolant Radiator Replacement Due to Stone/Foreign Material Impact - (Aug 18, 2014)
For vehicles repaired under the 8 year/100,000 mile (160,000 km) Chevrolet Volt Battery Components (Code V) warranty, use:
5080148*
Replace Drive Motor Battery Coolant Radiator and Add Second Grille Screen
4.6 hrs
So who would be the best person to talk to? The Volt adviser or the service department at my dealership? How should I reply when they argue it only applies to certain VIN #'s?This repair is only made after a problem and not a preventative measure.
The bulletin calls all module years and not by VIN. None of the Gen 1's were built with the second screen.
Models: 2011-2014 Chevrolet Volt
2014 Cadillac ELR
Even my 2015 did not have the screen and its not called out in this bulletin but still applies.
Thank you so much for your help. I am much more hopeful this will get worked out. Do you have a source for the TBS? Also what is the second number associated with (5080148)?You need to ask them to show you the bulletin and where is shows only certain VIN's are covered and your is not because the bulletin does not show a VIN break down so it applies to all VIN's in the model year called out in the bulletin. If the service department gives you no joy then you need to call GM customer service and get a case started with them and they will get in contact with the region GM manager (not part of the dealership) and he will call the dealership or you on this issue.
Just FYI, there aren't any Volt Advisors anymore.So who would be the best person to talk to? The Volt adviser......<snip>
Thanks. If an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, this makes the Volt Screen look like the way to go.This repair is only made after a problem and not a preventative measure.
The bulletin calls all module years and not by VIN. None of the Gen 1's were built with the second screen.
Models: 2011-2014 Chevrolet Volt
2014 Cadillac ELR
Even my 2015 did not have the screen and its not called out in this bulletin but still applies.
Yeah I would highly recommend the Volt Screen to anyone who owns a volt. I wish I would have know about it before all this. Its starting to look like I'll be paying ~$1,000 to do the repairs unless GM saves the day.Thanks. If an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure, this makes the Volt Screen look like the way to go.
Fortunately I get a loaner since it was certified used at the dealership I bought it from so i don't plan on giving the loaner back until its fixed however going back to a 100% ICE car is not fun. My 2014 Volt drives much better than the 2017 Malibu they lent me.If you push it hard enough GM will pay for it, since they know it is an issue and you have the TSB that says they will. Just has to get to the right person in GM or at your dealer - I'd try the service manager if you haven't already. It used to be a tad easier when you had Volt advisors (just a tad though) and it can still be done. FWIW, a vehicle repair estimator says the following:
"The average cost for a Chevrolet Volt Radiator Replacement is between $398 and $500. Labor costs are estimated between $123 and $156 while parts are priced between $275 and $344. Estimate does not include taxes and fees."
However, I bet you need your car ASAP, so you might initially have to pay out of pocket for it. You might want to call other dealers and get a quote if you can or ask them if they would cover it under that TSB. Just trying to give you ideas... Good luck!