[mobeale]

Hi folks,
I own a 2017 Volt. I took it in to the dealer for oil change and tire rotation and asked if there were any software updates. The called one of their Volt experts who told me (with a typically mechanics straight face) that they don't do updates because it may make my Volt operate in "unexpected" ways.
Not wanting to go in reverse when in Drive or time travel - or - allow a neophyte to try to update, I demurred (using my own straight face.)
Does anyone know if there is, in fact, an update for the 2017 Volt? I've owned it for several months. I do not have a "Store" icon on the screen. I checked using my PC and MyChevy app which directed me to a page which explained how to do it (go to a dealer) but did not say if there is an update available.
Anybody know if there's an update?
Thanks!
Bill

 

[solar_dave]

Get a new dealer, bad answer.

Start here by entering your VIN
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

 

[Norton]

Doesn't the Mychevy app show any outstanding recalls?

Yeah, you have a luddite at that dealership. Try to avoid them.

 

[Loboc]

Doesn't the Mychevy app show any outstanding recalls?

Yeah, you have a luddite at that dealership. Try to avoid them.

Only safety recalls. Service recalls, such as minor software tweaks, are revealed when the tech enters the VIN in their system. I have been informed by the service writer as well during the initial dialog.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a Volt or not. All cars have similar service recalls.

 

[hellsop]

Only safety recalls. Service recalls, such as minor software tweaks, are revealed when the tech enters the VIN in their system. I have been informed by the service writer as well during the initial dialog.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a Volt or not. All cars have similar service recalls.

And it sounds like (to me at least) that mobeale's service writer didn't want to do anything that wasn't on that list. I admit to a certain level of sympathy for that.

 

[colchiro]

The time travel update did sound interesting tho.

 

[bjrosen]

There are a number of updates for the 2017, some of them take a very long time, I had to leave my Volt overnight for some of them. There are also updates for the infotainment system. You should get a new dealer.

 

[Guest]

The time travel update did sound interesting tho.

But can the Voltec battery produce 1.21 Gigawatts while traveling 88 mph?

 

[Guest]

I think it's safe to say that the people who frequent this forum know WAY more about the Volt than most of the Chevy service techs. They work on all kinds of vehicles, and are rarely an expert on any particular model they don't own themselves. Unless the guy/gal is a Volt guru who received all the specialized Volt training and works on them all the time. Oh, and the sales people are even worse. They might as well be selling washing machines.

 

[JRRF]

Oh, and the sales people are even worse. They might as well be selling washing machines.

That's what they were selling last week...

 

[TSquare]

I've had my 2017 Volt since February 2016 and I have a list of 9 updates that have been done over the last 2 years. The last one was in October 2017. So, depending on when your Volt was built, it may already have most/all of these. Most are 'Service Campaigns" that should be taken care of during a regular service visit. I think I received a letter from GM about only one or maybe two of these updates that said I needed to come in ASAP. The rest were done during regular service visits. The dealer should be able to check if all campaigns have been completed on your Volt or not.

 

[Steverino]

The called one of their Volt experts who told me (with a typically mechanics straight face) that they don't do updates because it may make my Volt operate in "unexpected" ways.

Perhaps he meant applying an update that is not meant for your car. For example, some updates are meant for specific issues a car is experiencing. If your car does not have the issue, they will not install the update.

Other updates apply to all the cars based on the car VIN. If your VIN is on the list, then yes, apply the update.

But, if he was claiming that they don't do updates no matter what is wrong with the car, no matter whether your car VIN is on the update list, then yes, he is not providing good service and may even be violating some GM dealer requirements.

 

[llninja]

But can the Voltec battery produce 1.21 Gigawatts while traveling 88 mph?

Only if you special ordered the flux capacitor option. There’s also the Mr. Fusion with hovering option that few people know about. Unfortunately the system is flaky, resets all the time, and sometimes does unpredictable things...just like the Chevy infotainment system.

Back to the future, I mean, topic of updates, I wish I could reverse the dreaded triple honk update on my Gen1 that affects everyone in my town square when I leave the car running to get my mail at the PO Box.

 

[colchiro]

I have an 18 Volt purchased 240 miles away last December and have yet to enter my local dealership. I have a couple of issues I'd like to see addressed.

A couple times a week I have to turn on my cruise control. I use it daily to maintain about 6 mph above the speed limit. On occasion, I realize it doesn't work and have to press the button on the wheel to turn it on.

Some days my Pixel 2 XL phone will connect/disconnect/connect/disconnect constantly in my Volt, but I don't recall ever seeing this on my wife's '17 Buick Encore, but in all fairness, that vehicle spends most of the time in the garage.

So one of these days I'll take it to my local Buick dealer (who has a Volt certified tech) and see if they have any updates to address my concerns. Our Encore is one year old now and due for it's first free oil change and also has never been to the dealership. I want them to check the headlights on that one as I feel they may be a little low.

Why don't I use the local Chevy dealership? 'cause they're crap and everyone hates them.

 

[jcanoe]

I will be scheduling, taking my 2017 Volt to the dealer for an oil change (1st one) and tire rotation next month. Even though this should only take an hour, based on past experience with my Volt, I will budget up to 3 hours to allow for any service bulletin firmware updates that need to be applied. I will trust the service department to apply only the software updates that are necessary, in their experience, don't create any other issues for the customer. I am a firm believer in "if it's not broke don't fix it." Also, this just reminded of this sign.

 

[colchiro]

I will be scheduling, taking my 2017 Volt to the dealer for an oil change (1st one) and tire rotation next month. Even though this should only take an hour, based on past experience with my Volt, I will budget up to 3 hours to allow for any service bulletin firmware updates that need to be applied. I will trust the service department to apply only the software updates that are necessary, in their experience, don't create any other issues for the customer. I am a firm believer in "if it's not broke don't fix it." Also, this just reminded of this sign.

LOL, Gefingerpoken.

 

[mpmoore1979]

Something you need to know about updates, there are 10 to 15 computers/modules that have software that can be updated if there is a software issue from the factory. To check all these modules for updates would take over 1 hour, you have to bring up each computer one at a time, get the software calibration number. This number is then set via the web to GM and they respond back with the latest calibration. If there is a updated calibration, there is a summery shown what the update addresses. There is no quick way to check for updates on any car, there are sometimes recalls or service actions shown when a VIN is entered in to the GM system, however this will not show all updates. If you have a problem that you are bring in the car for, they may find a bulletin that will have a software update that will fix the problem such as a radio screen that freezes up, there may be a software update for the radio that fixes that issue (recall 17386 for Bolt). GM does not recommend updating any computer unless directed so by a bulletin or GM TAC, this could cause a unexpected result in the operation of that computer.

 

[BillG]

.. this could cause a unexpected result in the operation of that computer.

So, based on Mr. Moore's response, the OP is the moron!

 

[Guest]

Hi folks,
I own a 2017 Volt. I took it in to the dealer for oil change and tire rotation and asked if there were any software updates. The called one of their Volt experts who told me (with a typically mechanics straight face) that they don't do updates because it may make my Volt operate in "unexpected" ways.
Not wanting to go in reverse when in Drive or time travel - or - allow a neophyte to try to update, I demurred (using my own straight face.)
Does anyone know if there is, in fact, an update for the 2017 Volt? I've owned it for several months. I do not have a "Store" icon on the screen. I checked using my PC and MyChevy app which directed me to a page which explained how to do it (go to a dealer) but did not say if there is an update available.
Anybody know if there's an update?
Thanks!
Bill

Are you experiencing an issue which is known to be resolved with a software update? If not my recommendation is to leave it alone.

 

[Guest]

But can the Voltec battery produce 1.21 Gigawatts while traveling 88 mph?

1.21 Gigawatts? My how they've reduced the power consumption from 1985 where time travel requires 1.21 jigawatts.