[Pro451]

Hopefully this isn't a redundant thread but all I could find were threads on 2017 BECM failures.

I'm kind of curious how prevalent 2018 BECM failures are.

Mine occurred at 36,270 miles (300 after BtB warranty expired) and 3 weeks shy of 3 years.

Symptom:
Cruising at 30 mph, engine warning light came on. Battery charge level went from about 60% to 100% charge. Engine started. Shut down car and exited for about 30 minutes.
Upon restart, engine warning indicator remained illuminated (solid, not flashing) and charge indication was normal.
During 20 mile drive to shop, all normal (except engine fault indication).

Finding:
5 fault codes (stored but inactive) indicating BECM. (I didn't get a list of the codes.)
Shop credited the $160 diagnostic fee. Parts available. Be at shop a couple work days.

Questions:
1) The mechanic said that they've seen quite a few BECM failures for all MY gen 2s. Any other 2018 owners out there that have had failed BECMs?
2) Is it normal for a shop to replace (under warranty) an intermittently failed part, or is this just good shop?
3) I assume that the Battery cooling system fluid needs servicing after dropping the battery to replace the BECM. Does anybody know if they would flush it or just burp/service it? Is the BECM on the electronic cooling loop or the battery loop? If the former, same question about flush or service. (Obviously, I would hope for flush so I could zero time those loops.)

Thanks in advance for any feedback. (And moderators, if there are 2018 BECM threads or threads similar to this, please feel free to merge them.)

Regards,
Chris

 

[CeeW]

Mine failed on my 2018 at about the same time as yours.
Only symptom was the check engine light was on, car acted normally otherwise.
Got replaced under warranty, no charge.
Does not make me feel better about the Volt longevity/reliability overall.

 

[Pro451]

Thanks CeeW,

I guess we're the only two lucky people (that monitor this site) to have this happen. Maybe that is an indication that it's rare.

I was just getting to the point of not wondering if the car was going to perform properly each time I hit the start button. Now I'm back to thinking about it every day. At least we weren't stranded.

Regards,
Chris

 

[CeeW]

Thanks CeeW,

I guess we're the only two lucky people (that monitor this site) to have this happen. Maybe that is an indication that it's rare.

I was just getting to the point of not wondering if the car was going to perform properly each time I hit the start button. Now I'm back to thinking about it every day. At least we weren't stranded.

Regards,
Chris

It seems to be more common than it should be, especially for 2017s it seems.....

2017 Battery Energy Control Module replacement BECM

2017 with 19K miles. BECM replaced. P1 E00$07E8 Hybrid powertrain control module 2 U2619$07EC U2620$07EC U2621$07EC U2622$07EC U2623$07EC U2624$07EC

www.gm-volt.com

 

[SteverB]

Thanks CeeW,

I guess we're the only two lucky people (that monitor this site) to have this happen. Maybe that is an indication that it's rare.

I was just getting to the point of not wondering if the car was going to perform properly each time I hit the start button. Now I'm back to thinking about it every day. At least we weren't stranded.

Regards,
Chris

Make that at least 3 of us now: The BECM just died on my 2018 Volt at a tick over 40K miles. I can't tell you the exact mileage because the car is at the dealer awaiting the part, which they tell me may be weeks away. I have not had a single problem with the car until this, but it's definitely made me lose a little faith in the car.

 

[Tricoat_beauty2014]

Make that at least 3 of us now: The BECM just died on my 2018 Volt at a tick over 40K miles. I can't tell you the exact mileage because the car is at the dealer awaiting the part, which they tell me may be weeks away. I have not had a single problem with the car until this, but it's definitely made me lose a little faith in the car.

What's your build date? Most of the 2018 failures I have heard of so far seem to be early builds (2017).

 

[vap0rtranz]

I have not had a single problem with the car until this, but it's definitely made me lose a little faith in the car.

I've not lost faith. The BECM looks like a isolated component that was designed to be replaced (by professionals if it failed):

IIRC, the Shift-To-Park was a faulty switch. So BECM is a faulty computer component. These issues seem serious because folks cannot just drive away when they happen. But it's not like a cell failing, or the battery itself, or a motor.

Just as a comparison: these kinds of issues are, IMO, like fuel pumps failing for ICE, or distributors/coils failing. You cannot drive away when that happens, but the engine is still fine. I got stranded when an ICE distributor failed on me and yes it's frustrating but we are guaranteed that components won't last forever.

Knock on wood -- my 2017 hasn't had a BECM failure. Perhaps my faith will get shattered if I do get these issues, but just trying to Keep Calm and Carry On.

 

[MaryCA]

I've not lost faith. The BECM looks like a isolated component that was designed to be replaced (by professionals if it failed):

IIRC, the Shift-To-Park was a faulty switch. So BECM is a faulty computer component. These issues seem serious because folks cannot just drive away when they happen. But it's not like a cell failing, or the battery itself, or a motor.

Just as a comparison: these kinds of issues are, IMO, like fuel pumps failing for ICE, or distributors/coils failing. You cannot drive away when that happens, but the engine is still fine. I got stranded when an ICE distributor failed on me and yes it's frustrating but we are guaranteed that components won't last forever.

Knock on wood -- my 2017 hasn't had a BECM failure. Perhaps my faith will get shattered if I do get these issues, but just trying to Keep Calm and Carry On.

I've not lost faith. The BECM looks like a isolated component that was designed to be replaced (by professionals if it failed):

IIRC, the Shift-To-Park was a faulty switch. So BECM is a faulty computer component. These issues seem serious because folks cannot just drive away when they happen. But it's not like a cell failing, or the battery itself, or a motor.

Just as a comparison: these kinds of issues are, IMO, like fuel pumps failing for ICE, or distributors/coils failing. You cannot drive away when that happens, but the engine is still fine. I got stranded when an ICE distributor failed on me and yes it's frustrating but we are guaranteed that components won't last forever.

Knock on wood -- my 2017 hasn't had a BECM failure. Perhaps my faith will get shattered if I do get these issues, but just trying to Keep Calm and Carry On.

My 2018 Volt died at 67,000 and the energy control module needs replacing. They say that there are none available worldwide and it will be months.

 

[khofmann18]

I read this post on Tuesday night and watched the video about the battery. I got up the next morning, got in my 2018 Volt with 42000 miles to go to work. It had 60 miles of range, put it in reverse it moved about 5 ft the range went to zero, the engine started and the check engine light came on all at the same time. I just pulled back in the garage and knew exactly what the problem was, the BECM. After work I was going to take it to the dealer got in it and wouldn’t move. I tried 4 times with the same result it would not move. I called a wrecker to get it towed the next morning. I decided I would try one more time this time it powered right up and I was able to drive it to the dealer, I cancelled the wrecker on the way. It drove completely normal except for that the check engine light was on. I got a call today from the dealer that the BECM needed replaced. Its on back order and was told it might be 2 days could be 3 months. They have no idea when it will come in.

 

[MaryCA]

I read this post on Tuesday night and watched the video about the battery. I got up the next morning, got in my 2018 Volt with 42000 miles to go to work. It had 60 miles of range, put it in reverse it moved about 5 ft the range went to zero, the engine started and the check engine light came on all at the same time. I just pulled back in the garage and knew exactly what the problem was, the BECM. After work I was going to take it to the dealer got in it and wouldn’t move. I tried 4 times with the same result it would not move. I called a wrecker to get it towed the next morning. I decided I would try one more time this time it powered right up and I was able to drive it to the dealer, I cancelled the wrecker on the way. It drove completely normal except for that the check engine light was on. I got a call today from the dealer that the BECM needed replaced. Its on back order and was told it might be 2 days could be 3 months. They have no idea when it will come in.

 

[MaryCA]

I called for a tow as well. Then when he came, he started it with no problem, just the check engine light on. I asked him to tow it anyway. Then the dealer called about the ECM.

 

[MaryCA]

That’s the thing that bugs me most…. The inconsistency. It’s the second time I have needed a tow. One day it fails. Then it works. Then it fails…. No clear reason why.

 

[Tricoat_beauty2014]

I'm curious what the build date is on your 2018? The few 2018s I've heard about with BECM failures seem to be early builds.

 

[khofmann18]

I'm curious what the build date is on your 2018? The few 2018s I've heard about with BECM failures seem to be early builds.

Its at the dealer and I don’t remember the exact date but I do know it‘s an early build. I’ll get the date and let you know next time I see my car.

 

[MaryCA]

I'm curious what the build date is on your 2018? The few 2018s I've heard about with BECM failures seem to be early builds.

I’m not sure. How would I find that out ?

 

[Tricoat_beauty2014]

I’m not sure. How would I find that out ?

There's a sticker in the drivers door jamb that has the manufacturing date.

 

[MaryCA]

There's a sticker in the drivers door jamb that has the manufacturing date.

Thanks I will post when/if my car ever gets out of the shop

 

[khofmann18]

Has anybody gotten any updates when their BECM will arrive if it is on back order. I took my car in last Wednesday and still no word from the dealer when it will become available. Was told it could be 3 days or it could be 3 months. I looked up the BECM p/n 24296900 online, no sign of it being on back order and it seems like I could order one for $337.86. I can’t even get a loaner car because none are available.

 

[darcas]

Has anybody gotten any updates when their BECM will arrive if it is on back order. I took my car in last Wednesday and still no word from the dealer when it will become available. Was told it could be 3 days or it could be 3 months. I looked up the BECM p/n 24296900 online, no sign of it being on back order and it seems like I could order one for $337.86. I can’t even get a loaner car because none are available.

My 2018 was diagnosed this morning at my GM dealer as needing a new BECM. 35,900 kms on it and no previous issues. Dealer advised it may take 3 weeks to get a module at this time because of parts shortage. Cost will be covered by Voltec warranty and GM paying for rental car until part arrives and car is ready to roll. Love this car, look forward to getting it back.

 

[SteveMann]

What's your build date? Most of the 2018 failures I have heard of so far seem to be early builds (2017).

Just my luck. I have one of the first 2017's. We ordered it in March 2016 and waited for them to build it- It finally arrived in late July.