$900 down the drain for unneeded repairs, still not fixed !!!!!
Took the 2012 Volt in for "Intermittent Heat in Electric Mode" Carefully explained to the service tech what I read on the forum. Exact words: "we do not care what is on a forum".
First they tried the reprograming - Did not fix the problem. $47.00
Second they replaced the coolant pump - Did not fix the problem . $850.00
My problem was explained as follows - Full charge - Heat works normal in electric mode.
Charge sustaining mode - Heat valve evidently moves correctly - Heat works normal in CS mode.
Car shutdown with partial charge - upon starting car - No heat available until once again battery is depleted and back in CS mode or car is fully recharged.
Cannot use hold mode as a work around since it is not a mode on the 2012 Model Year.
From the above I surmise:
-The electric element works
-The valve works
-The software is up to date
-The pump works
I was very skeptical the pump was not the problem and it was the control module, the service advisor assured me before the repair it was the pump. He didn't really want to know what I learned on the forum. Was almost hostile I brought it up. Pump changed. Paid the money. Problem remains as before.
I have owned the car since new. This problem has existed for as long as I can remember but I usually always had a full charge so I wasn't a factor unless it was a cold day and I was starting the car on a partial charge (almost never happened) so I just lived with it. I'm now giving the car to my daughter and would like it fixed because my grand daughter is only 2 and sits in a childs seat - seat heat not a mitigation fix for her. I paid $46K for the car including tax. I did get the $7,500 tax credit.
I think the car is fantastic after driving it for 48,000 miles. The weak link however is getting it serviced. It seems the Chevy Dealers are simply not up to the task of listening to the customer, and fixing a problem without running up a needless bill. No matter how well the car is designed and built, it becomes a deal breaker and sours you if you cannot get it repaired.
Back in the shop again. Did not even drive it away from the dealer as it did not work the moment I was given the car back from the repair.
I will wait for the final outcome and report back. If it is unfavorable, I will post the dealers name so other owners or potential buyers can avoid this dealer.