I just purchased a used 2017 Volt and mine makes weird noises when I plug it in. Almost like someone scratching their nails on the inside of the hood. It is just when I park, get out, close the door, go grab the charger and plug it in. It makes weird noises then beeps and starts charging. I assume that is normal but is that the same noise you are talking about? I wonder if it is the cooling system clicking or opening and closing things?

 

I have a 2017 Volt. When I open the car door it starts to click. It stops when I press on the brake.

I just purchased a 2017 Volt and I think it has the same issue as yours! Did you get your Volt repaired? Was it what you described?

The issue for me started after I purchased and drove it off the lot. Before purchasing I drove the vehicle fairly hard on the interstate and then more slowly on city streets and there was no clicking at all. The vehicle was not charged by the dealer and after charging it still clicks...it does not sound normal even if it only clicked on the engine. I am coming to the Volt from the Prius so I am accustom to its quirky noises that sound normal.

I purchased from Carmax as none of the Chevy dealers here want to sell used and got a price comparable to the Chevy dealers over in Houston (Carmax is usually overpriced from my research). I am not sure if they will have staff who can figure this out quickly. I would prefer to not deal with returning the car since it is in pretty good physical condition and low mileage (just under 20k). So being able to point them to what to check out is very helpful.

 

I finally ordered the part to have it done. I'm worried that I could get into and accident because of it having to do with the brakes. I'm now starting to hear it in our Bolt but it doesn't keep making the noise the entire time we drive. Is it possible that the noise is there for you but with street noises you don't hear it? I called GM to see what it takes before it is recalled. I've been hearing about it from Bolts and Volts. It's an expensive repair being that it is not under warranty. It is so quiet that I wonder how long it has actually been going on.

If people with the problem would call GM maybe they could look into it. The fact that it could take a month for the part says their are others with possibly similar problems. Call 800-522-9559 and report your problem. The more people who do that the better chance they will look into the problem. Making it possible to become a recall and we won't have to pay $2,000 to have it fixed. They gave me a case #. I will be following up soon if I don't get the part soon. It's been over 3 weeks since I ordered the part.

 

There is a long thread in the Bolt forums about this issue. Bottom line: it’s a software/firmware issue with the booster. The clicking noise is valves and doesn’t impact the operation of the booster.

Don’t spend thousands to fix it.

 

We have a Bolt also. It started clicking recently and they told me that is a software update. They said it is not the same problem. Meanwhile I ordered the parts months ago and still have no word when it will be ready. I'm hoping to call GM back maybe tomorrow because they were supposedly helping me with this. They have not been.
I wish everyone with the problem would call GM. Maybe they would look into it more if they heard from a number of people. I put the number above.

 

2016 Volt started the clicking behind dash at 45k miles - took to dealer said it was brake pedal sensor did something to it and now car wont start need new one, replaced, said it was fixed, drove home didnt notice any clicking but next day same thing, clicking starts with out key stops when brake pedal is pressed, took back to dealer said no codes, they called GM and they said no fix, you have to live with it -$400 it cost me for nothing!

 

Told today by GM that the Engineers that the clicking from behind dash is the EGR valve cycling and that its normal. I bought the car used with 30k miles and no clicking.Now it’s normal😂🥳 Now it’s clicking 30-50 times on opening door without key🤔 Driving the clicking stops and starts every time I touch the brake and cycles 10-15 times

 

Been lurking here for months. This is my first post. We have a 2016 Volt Premier with about 40,000 miles. No big problems to date, just some annoyibg issues every now and then. Like front "air shutters" stick in winter and the shift to Park issue (I replaced the microswitch and the F harness).
Although I believe I have heard the "ticking" sound behind the dashboard, maybe for years, it was very intermeittent and not concerning. However in the past month the ticking has become annoying and happens every time we use the car. Thankfully some slight pressure on the brake pedal, if don't right, can cause the ticking to stop. As others have stated, just opening the car doors can start the ticking. Sometimes I wonder if the ticking will every stop and I don't know how much it ticks while I am driving as road noise drowns it out. Seems like the car is prepping the brakes. Anyhow, I called Chevrolet and have an open case. They called back 3 days after ( I was amazed they called). I spoke at length to the fellow and advised him of all the details I have learned about this issue including the fact that potentially hundreds if not thousands of other Volt owner are experiencing the problem or soon will be. He did not seem to be aware of the issue. I pointed him to the Bolt TSB 20-NA-170 and trhied to make him realize that Volts have the exact same issue and Volts also need a software fix to avoid owners having the wastefully spend near $2000 for a repair which won't last. He said he would inform others at Chevrolet up the chain. I guess we'll wait and see if they actually act. I would appreciate other owners with the problem to call Chevrolet and voice their concerns especially since the issue involves the power BRAKES!. You can open a case by calling GM. Try not to COMPLAIN at them too strongly. Hopefully using some tact and courtesy will work better. Later.....

 

I am posting this in order to try and offer some additional info on the 'constant clicking' that we and many of you Volt owners have experienced with our Volts. I have just written to Chevy support and below is an 'edited' version. Dear Chevrolet;
We have owned three but presently own two 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premiums.
One in Florida at our winter home and one in PA at our summer home.

We have not yet had a problem with the PA volt however, the 2017 in Florida has a known issue with the Chevrolet Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder where it makes a constant non stop very rapid clicking noise. This Volt is now at the Jenkins Chevrolet Dealer in Venice Florida.

I have researched the GM Volt forum on this issue and and have discussed it with the Chevrolet Service rep.

According to the Chevrolet service rep,the problem lies with the Chevrolet Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder.

The problem is, owners are reporting multiple repeat failures with this even after replacement so although I am providing more information below on the issue,
can you please tell me what, if any, is the most updated/corrected OEM part number for I am showing many and do not want to have installed a Brake booster Master Cylinder if it has not been upgraded.

Below are a list of OEM part numbers of the Volt/Bolt Brake Booster Master Cylinder.
Please advise what is the latest/'updated one' (or is there an even newer one) and can you tell me what was done to upgrade it and will it work on my 2017 Volt?

16 17 OEM 2016-2017 Chevrolet Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84114134
2017-2018 Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder - #84006919
Chevrolet Volt 2016 2017 OEM electronic power brake pump booster 84669159
Chevrolet Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84493683 2019 OEM

Note:What follows is a synopsis description of owners problems on GM Volt forum here: 2017 Clicking noise opening car door with engine off
Various Volt owners have been told that the 'gears stripped', there was a reported software/firmware update coming (never arrived). Another owner wrote in the thread above that "Told today by GM that the Engineers that the clicking from behind dash is the EGR valve cycling and that its normal.
Another owner discovered that the Chevy BOLT used the same brake booster, called Chevrolet and created an open case, spoke at length to the fellow and advised him of all the details I have learned about this issue including the fact that potentially hundreds if not thousands of other Volt owner are experiencing the problem or soon will be. He did not seem to be aware of the issue. I pointed him to the Bolt TSB 20-NA-170 and tried to make him realize that Volts have the exact same issue and Volts also need a software fix to avoid owners having the wastefully spend near $2000 for a repair which won't last. He said he would inform others at Chevrolet up the chain.
Note: The rep at Jenkins Chevrolet is telling me that his Volt EV tech tells his that the above TSB 20-NA-170 is for the BOLT only (even though they appear to be the exact same booster) and therefore they cannot apply this TSB to my Chevy Volt.

Exactly the same issues are occurring with the BOLT which uses the same 'booster' as the Volt. See: Brake Actuator clicking when I enter vehicle

My concerns are:
1. Why the multiple part numbers?
2. Do these reflect 'revised models' that addressed the problem?
3. Will the 2019 Volt version work on the 2017?

If I hear back, I will post here.
Tom Lawson

 

I am posting this in order to try and offer some additional info on the 'constant clicking' that we and many of you Volt owners have experienced with our Volts. I have just written to Chevy support and below is an 'edited' version. Dear Chevrolet;
We have owned three but presently own two 2017 Chevrolet Volt Premiums.
One in Florida at our winter home and one in PA at our summer home.

We have not yet had a problem with the PA volt however, the 2017 in Florida has a known issue with the Chevrolet Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder where it makes a constant non stop very rapid clicking noise. This Volt is now at the Jenkins Chevrolet Dealer in Venice Florida.

I have researched the GM Volt forum on this issue and and have discussed it with the Chevrolet Service rep.

According to the Chevrolet service rep,the problem lies with the Chevrolet Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder.

The problem is, owners are reporting multiple repeat failures with this even after replacement so although I am providing more information below on the issue,
can you please tell me what, if any, is the most updated/corrected OEM part number for I am showing many and do not want to have installed a Brake booster Master Cylinder if it has not been upgraded.

Below are a list of OEM part numbers of the Volt/Bolt Brake Booster Master Cylinder.
Please advise what is the latest/'updated one' (or is there an even newer one) and can you tell me what was done to upgrade it and will it work on my 2017 Volt?

16 17 OEM 2016-2017 Chevrolet Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84114134
2017-2018 Chevy Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder - #84006919
Chevrolet Volt 2016 2017 OEM electronic power brake pump booster 84669159
Chevrolet Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84493683 2019 OEM

Note:What follows is a synopsis description of owners problems on GM Volt forum here: 2017 Clicking noise opening car door with engine off
Various Volt owners have been told that the 'gears stripped', there was a reported software/firmware update coming (never arrived). Another owner wrote in the thread above that "Told today by GM that the Engineers that the clicking from behind dash is the EGR valve cycling and that its normal.
Another owner discovered that the Chevy BOLT used the same brake booster, called Chevrolet and created an open case, spoke at length to the fellow and advised him of all the details I have learned about this issue including the fact that potentially hundreds if not thousands of other Volt owner are experiencing the problem or soon will be. He did not seem to be aware of the issue. I pointed him to the Bolt TSB 20-NA-170 and tried to make him realize that Volts have the exact same issue and Volts also need a software fix to avoid owners having the wastefully spend near $2000 for a repair which won't last. He said he would inform others at Chevrolet up the chain.
Note: The rep at Jenkins Chevrolet is telling me that his Volt EV tech tells his that the above TSB 20-NA-170 is for the BOLT only (even though they appear to be the exact same booster) and therefore they cannot apply this TSB to my Chevy Volt.

Exactly the same issues are occurring with the BOLT which uses the same 'booster' as the Volt. See: Brake Actuator clicking when I enter vehicle

My concerns are:
1. Why the multiple part numbers?
2. Do these reflect 'revised models' that addressed the problem?
3. Will the 2019 Volt version work on the 2017?

If I hear back, I will post here.
Tom Lawson

We are having this issue with my teenage son's 2017 Volt. Did you ever hear back from Chevy?

 

Here's the latest for those of you who hear the 'constant clicking' on your Volt and having it been diagnosed as being the 'brake booster' and my getting a price from my Chevy dealer of $2100.00 to replace it.
Bottom line. After researching to no end if it was indeed the claimed software update that others have posted on the 'Bolt Forum', (the Chevy Bolt, btw, uses the exact same booster)as the Volt and tons of research both at the dealers (who want $2100 to 'fix' the issue) and finally taking the Volt to my local and very 'trusted mechanic' and telling him all of the options I researched, he just called me this am and told me that the software update was tried and did not work so he pulled out the booster (made by BMW apparently and used in many vehicles around the world...though with different part numbers) and he found, as others have been told, a plastic gear with several to many 'broken teeth' appears to be causing the problem.
Now, I don't know if the broken teeth is the only issue (since he will be installing the new one, see below how to order one for $175 on EBAY), since the 'clicking' was continuous and since I never saw the brake booster disassembled before my mechanic called me and told me about them, I thought because of the 'speed' of the clicking, very fast, that it might be some sort of electronic 'clicking' from a 'sensor' that others reported. As of now, this does not appear to be the case.....and if this changes, I will update the post.
So, here is what I am doing and what I have found. The OEM price on the master cylinder and booster is $1,063.00 and I found many offered as USED (or 'rebuilt', or even new ones on google shopping.com or EBAY) however, I absolutely do NOT recommend anything else but new...for obvious reasons), so I kept looking and found the exact same OEM one on Amazon, brand new', for $175.00 PLUS, I found a (no questions asked) replacement warranty from
Allstate 4-Year Auto Accessory Protection Plan ($175-$199.99) for $29.99. Amazon.com: Allstate 4-Year Auto Accessory Protection Plan ($175-$199.99) : Electronics
Chevy has obviously decided NOT to do a service recall on this (why should they when they can charge $2100.00 as a gift to their dealers) so here's what you may want to consider. Order this from Amazon. 16 17 OEM 2016-2017 Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84114134 . Cost $175.00 plus tax then order the 4 year warranty on this part for $29.95 plus tax and find a 'trusted local mechanic/garage' that won't rip you off to install it.
I will do an update on this as soon as I get it back from my mechanic and if you live in the Sarasota, Florida area and want to know who my mechanic is, let me know. I don't have an install price from him yet but he's reasonable.
I just hope the same thing does not happen to our other 2017 Volt we have in PA, since we are snowbirds.

 

Here's the latest for those of you who hear the 'constant clicking' on your Volt and having it been diagnosed as being the 'brake booster' and my getting a price from my Chevy dealer of $2100.00 to replace it.
Bottom line. After researching to no end if it was indeed the claimed software update that others have posted on the 'Bolt Forum', (the Chevy Bolt, btw, uses the exact same booster)as the Volt and tons of research both at the dealers (who want $2100 to 'fix' the issue) and finally taking the Volt to my local and very 'trusted mechanic' and telling him all of the options I researched, he just called me this am and told me that the software update was tried and did not work so he pulled out the booster (made by BMW apparently and used in many vehicles around the world...though with different part numbers) and he found, as others have been told, a plastic gear with several to many 'broken teeth' appears to be causing the problem.
Now, I don't know if the broken teeth is the only issue (since he will be installing the new one, see below how to order one for $175 on EBAY), since the 'clicking' was continuous and since I never saw the brake booster disassembled before my mechanic called me and told me about them, I thought because of the 'speed' of the clicking, very fast, that it might be some sort of electronic 'clicking' from a 'sensor' that others reported. As of now, this does not appear to be the case.....and if this changes, I will update the post.
So, here is what I am doing and what I have found. The OEM price on the master cylinder and booster is $1,063.00 and I found many offered as USED (or 'rebuilt', or even new ones on google shopping.com or EBAY) however, I absolutely do NOT recommend anything else but new...for obvious reasons), so I kept looking and found the exact same OEM one on Amazon, brand new', for $175.00 PLUS, I found a (no questions asked) replacement warranty from
Allstate 4-Year Auto Accessory Protection Plan ($175-$199.99) for $29.99. Amazon.com: Allstate 4-Year Auto Accessory Protection Plan ($175-$199.99) : Electronics
Chevy has obviously decided NOT to do a service recall on this (why should they when they can charge $2100.00 as a gift to their dealers) so here's what you may want to consider. Order this from Amazon. 16 17 OEM 2016-2017 Volt Brake Booster Master Cylinder 84114134 . Cost $175.00 plus tax then order the 4 year warranty on this part for $29.95 plus tax and find a 'trusted local mechanic/garage' that won't rip you off to install it.
I will do an update on this as soon as I get it back from my mechanic and if you live in the Sarasota, Florida area and want to know who my mechanic is, let me know. I don't have an install price from him yet but he's reasonable.
I just hope the same thing does not happen to our other 2017 Volt we have in PA, since we are snowbirds.

Thanks for posting this information, following and wondering if this fixes your clicking issue as I have it too ( 2017 with 42k miles).
Update: I think they are on to the increase demand, the part went up to $275 and the protection plan went up to $39.99. They react fast! I am willing to bet the Volts have hit a point where more are having this issue.

 

I had the same clicking noise as the OP. It is irritating but it would go away anytime you stepped on the brake pedal. This would lead you to think it had something to do with the brake system right? NOT. It eventually wound up throwing a Check Engine Light. I just got the car back from my dealer ... it was the Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve sticking in the open position (P0404). They replaced the EGR valve, 2 gaskets and added coolant all covered under the emissions warranty, no charge ... which happens to be your longest warranty on the car. It did take a week to get the part in as it was a back ordered part.
I have a 2017 Volt Premier with 12,585 total miles (2,928 miles on engine).
Clicking is gone!
Tony

 

My 2018 does the same. I've had the brake booster replaced twice now at 9200 miles. The noise came back leaving the dealership. I've been dealing with GM customer service as well. After paying all that money for the repair again, GM is now telling me it's a characteristic of the car. I don't understand how they can get away with this.

 

My clicking is back! So I will go with the brake booster master cylinder replacement that Tom has described. $205 plus labor seems like a reasonable thing to try. Sorry if others followed me down the wrong path ... I thought it had been fixed but it came back within a day or two.
Tony

 

The clicking I have in my 45,000 mile 2016 Volt Premier is definitely coming from the brake ibooster, not the EGR valve. The EGR valve is near the very front of the car. The IBooster is right behind the speedometer. I have placed a stethoscope probe on the iBooster to prove the noise source. There may be some issue on some Volts involving "stripped gears" but I sincerely doubt that to be the cause of many of our "clicking or ticking" problems. See this Youtube video for a typical example of the sound https : // www. youtube. com/watch?v=2z9f-vaEykk(spaced to avoid deletion) . The problem I experience is also very "temperature related". Today, Feb 22, 2022 it is very warm here in Massachusetts. During the cold winter days the clicking was basically GONE. Whenever a warmer day came about, like today, the clicking is back with a vengeance. I have a strong doubt that "stripped gears" are temperature dependent. In addition, I have done something to my car which I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE REPEATING. Since the clicking is affected by depressing the brake pedal and I could occassionally alter the length of time the clicking occurred by lightly depressing the pedal, it seemed to me that pedal "resting idle position" affected the clicking. So I went under the dash and adjusted the threaded pushrod linkage from the pedal to the booster. I counted the number of turns on several occasions as I changed it more and more. As the rod got longer and longer, the length of time the clicking would run gradually reduced. I didn't want to push my luck and so I stopped adjusting until the clicking stops after about 10-15 seconds or less. The rod length increase is very small, maybe 1/8"-1/4" and the pedal function is working perfectly, just slightly less "pedal freeplay". Been driving on the "adjusted" rod length for 3-4 months now, no issues. So with the temperature relation and the rod length affect, I have a lot of trouble believing in "stripped gears". This appears more to me to be a feedback loop with not enough hysteresis (to sensitive, no enough slop). I bet the Bolt software patch increases the hysteresis. As our Volts have aged, the initial values worked fine, but as things have worn or aged, the original values no longer cover the hardware situation. Just my thoughts.........I could be wrong

 

As changing the pedal adjustment seem to help in your case, why do you not recommend it for others?

 

Another observation, I don't know if this started when the clicking did but the regenerative braking paddle seemed less effective. It seemed to improve as I drove around.

 

If the battery is full regen is less effective

 

I am experiencing the same tapping noise that stops when the break is depressed on my 2018 Volt. Has there been an agreement that this is the brake booster? I was waiting to hear the follow up from the gentalmen from Sarasota before following down that path. It is interesting that so many people are having the same issue yet the answer has not been completely identified. Thank you to everyone who is adding to the conversation.

 

To member "Central803", please see the link below of this forum. Find message #24 to show you links to at least 3 other instances of owners with the "clicking" or "ticking" or "tapping" Volt brake booster issue. (sound emanating from behind the speedometer)

2017 Brake Tapping Noise: Replace Power Brake Booster...

I've got a 2017 Volt with 61k miles, in Virginia. Single owner, purchased in 2016. It's not been driven very much in the past year, maybe a couple thousand miles. Recently I noticed a rapid repeating tapping noise sound every time I released the brake pedal. This sound happens when the car...

www.gm-volt.com

There are youtube videos also.
Here is one youtube link but the audio is not great...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z9f-vaEykk

 

Thank you for sharing this.

 

I wish GM Would just release the software update for Volts as well, this is BS that I have to deal with this when an update is available for Bolts.

My 2018 Volt has begun clicking in earnest....

 

I have the same issue with my 2017 Volt, 16k miles, I just bought. Have an appointment next week at the dealer, will post and let you know what they find.

 

So John, what was the outcome?

 

Same issue here. 2017 Volt. If the car is ON, the ticking just won't stop unless foot is on the brake. Any updates?

 

Clint, were you able to get this fixed?

 

Our 2018 Volt started doing this a couple of months ago at about 33K miles. It appears to be getting worse. I am now hearing the ticking sounds at times when sitting idle if the brake is not applied. Has there been any updates on servicing this problem?

 

No update I know about. Same ticking problem for me and disappears when brake is depressed -2018 Volt. I have complained to GM (so called "customer care"; anxiously waiting for some action; somehow don't think anything is going to happen since it's not a safety problem - there's no incentive for them to do so.

 

Could be the Bosch I-Booster referred to in the link in post #25 above. Same happened to my 2017 Bolt EV. Chevy has a software fix TSB for the Bolt, but not for the Volt even though they apparently use the same part. Other than a software update, the fix would be replacing the I-Booster.

 

Interesting Mark! I liked the sound of this, looked into it and couldn’t get very far. How did you get “under the dash? Tim G

 

Hi, i juste bought my volt 2017 ,with exact samedi klicting noise eather the carrosserie is running or not witch disapear once il touche the brake pedal .
So i hope if there is ans update pleine let us know