I do not have one, any recommendations?
Battery Module Failure
Battery Module Failure
First a little background –
I drive a 2013 Chevy Volt that I purchased that was certified preowned about 22 months ago. Up until the beginning of January, it has been the most reliable automobile I’ve ever owned, and it has been a lot of fun to drive! I use it primarily as a commuter car, and my commute is 38 miles round trip – however I routinely only use 8 kWh for this trip. The car has just under 75,000 miles.
The problem –
I was driving on my last stretch of my commute back home when I received a message on my dashboard “Propulsion reduced”, however, what it should have read was “propulsion unavailable”. While traveling at speed I lost all propulsion and power steering, but the 12v system continued to operate normally. I managed to coast into my neighborhood, and pushed it the rest of the way unto my property. I attempted to restart the car several times and force the generator to start by putting it in “mountain mode” to no avail. The car was towed to my local dealership. They have dropped the main battery out of the car and determined that one of the battery modules needs to be replaced. Today I was told that there is still not ETA on when the part will be shipped. I have contacted GM support and the dealer and they will not give me a reason how there can be no ETA on the part. I also inquired about replacing the vehicle with another used Volt, and they will only offer credit towards a new vehicle (which I cannot afford at this time since I am still paying off my existing vehicle).
I am appreciative that GM has provided a loaner vehicle, but I want to be back in my Volt or a replacement Volt. I have an infant that I am uncomfortable putting in the back seat of the loaner because I don’t want to damage the seat or carpet with various projectiles and/or fluids. I am troubled that there is no ETA on these parts required for the repair, and that GM is not willing to work out a replacement vehicle (I even offered to pay the difference in value). I just want this to be resolved. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does GM not carry a stock of replacement parts for the first generation Volt?
First a little background –
I drive a 2013 Chevy Volt that I purchased that was certified preowned about 22 months ago. Up until the beginning of January, it has been the most reliable automobile I’ve ever owned, and it has been a lot of fun to drive! I use it primarily as a commuter car, and my commute is 38 miles round trip – however I routinely only use 8 kWh for this trip. The car has just under 75,000 miles.
The problem –
I was driving on my last stretch of my commute back home when I received a message on my dashboard “Propulsion reduced”, however, what it should have read was “propulsion unavailable”. While traveling at speed I lost all propulsion and power steering, but the 12v system continued to operate normally. I managed to coast into my neighborhood, and pushed it the rest of the way unto my property. I attempted to restart the car several times and force the generator to start by putting it in “mountain mode” to no avail. The car was towed to my local dealership. They have dropped the main battery out of the car and determined that one of the battery modules needs to be replaced. Today I was told that there is still not ETA on when the part will be shipped. I have contacted GM support and the dealer and they will not give me a reason how there can be no ETA on the part. I also inquired about replacing the vehicle with another used Volt, and they will only offer credit towards a new vehicle (which I cannot afford at this time since I am still paying off my existing vehicle).
I am appreciative that GM has provided a loaner vehicle, but I want to be back in my Volt or a replacement Volt. I have an infant that I am uncomfortable putting in the back seat of the loaner because I don’t want to damage the seat or carpet with various projectiles and/or fluids. I am troubled that there is no ETA on these parts required for the repair, and that GM is not willing to work out a replacement vehicle (I even offered to pay the difference in value). I just want this to be resolved. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does GM not carry a stock of replacement parts for the first generation Volt?
41 - 60 of 68 Posts
Whoa that's insane! Still running stock OEM Goodyears? I have heavy Bridgestone Driveguards--pretty much the opposite of LRR. I lost 4-5 EV miles upon installation and never recovered. I was getting 34-36 in winter temps before the partial battery replacement, I'm getting 38-42 now. I do the same commute and always use up all my EV range on every drive. It will get difficult to compare soon if the weather keeps getting freakishly warm.Take a look at the attached photo. These are the values the Volt showed after my drive to work this morning. It usually takes 3.4 - 4.1 kWh to get to work. I think that I do have a few miles extra range, but not 64 miles! I did run it down a few days ago and reached 55 miles. I normally get around 47.
If you're bored, you should do a few drives to CS mode (no stops) to see where you actually end up. The range estimator can start to "estimate" way higher than you'll ever get in real life with just short drives and partial charges. Also, make sure you let the car sit on "empty" unplugged for about an hour before plugging it in.
I wouldn't expect crazy range to continue--the car will settle into its "new range" after some drive cycles. I've settled around 10.6-10.9, about 2 extra EV miles. However, when I first got the car it was more like 3-4 extra EV miles. I just hope there's not any more "settling" in my near future. It's a complicated car so it's possible this is all just part of the "learning" process still--but it's been a couple months so I just hope it's learned enough now.
I purchased one like this for a friend, seems to have worked fine. But I didn't do long term testing (so don't drive with it plugged in until you have)I do not have one, any recommendations?
http://www.buyincoins.com/item/39362.html#.WLYM8zsrKUk
Mine is very similar but much older (and much more expensive!!) - probably the same internal components. Mine has been used extensively, even while driving for hours on end without issue.
+ Torque app and load in the custom PIDs listed on the forums here.
I bought my Volt used, and it came with Firestone tires, and they work well, though I will need new ones in a year or so. I haven't depleted the battery in one drive without stopping yet, but am hitting the high 50s in range the few times on ran it down throughout a typical day. The car is still figuring out my driving and how much capacity it has after the reset. I also learned something interesting that I didn't know - the miles remaining guess o' meter only goes up to 60!Whoa that's insane! Still running stock OEM Goodyears? I have heavy Bridgestone Driveguards--pretty much the opposite of LRR. I lost 4-5 EV miles upon installation and never recovered. I was getting 34-36 in winter temps before the partial battery replacement, I'm getting 38-42 now. I do the same commute and always use up all my EV range on every drive. It will get difficult to compare soon if the weather keeps getting freakishly warm.
If you're bored, you should do a few drives to CS mode (no stops) to see where you actually end up. The range estimator can start to "estimate" way higher than you'll ever get in real life with just short drives and partial charges. Also, make sure you let the car sit on "empty" unplugged for about an hour before plugging it in.
I wouldn't expect crazy range to continue--the car will settle into its "new range" after some drive cycles. I've settled around 10.6-10.9, about 2 extra EV miles. However, when I first got the car it was more like 3-4 extra EV miles. I just hope there's not any more "settling" in my near future. It's a complicated car so it's possible this is all just part of the "learning" process still--but it's been a couple months so I just hope it's learned enough now.
Thanks Canehdian,I purchased one like this for a friend, seems to have worked fine. But I didn't do long term testing (so don't drive with it plugged in until you have)
http://www.buyincoins.com/item/39362.html#.WLYM8zsrKUk
Mine is very similar but much older (and much more expensive!!) - probably the same internal components. Mine has been used extensively, even while driving for hours on end without issue.
+ Torque app and load in the custom PIDs listed on the forums here.
I appreciate your suggestions and information!
Just wondering, can you use one of these to determine Amps during use? Or is this something that only GM can do by dropping the battery?
Thanks again!
Do you know if they are LRR tires? I mean, high 50s is a crazy Gen2-like number. Mild temps? Flat roads? Grandpa driving?I bought my Volt used, and it came with Firestone tires, and they work well, though I will need new ones in a year or so. I haven't depleted the battery in one drive without stopping yet, but am hitting the high 50s in range the few times on ran it down throughout a typical day. The car is still figuring out my driving and how much capacity it has after the reset. I also learned something interesting that I didn't know - the miles remaining guess o' meter only goes up to 60!
The more full charges/discharges you do, the faster it will learn. However, if this is really not part of your "usual" driving routine (I wish I didn't have to burn a little gas most days, honestly), I would just kick back and enjoy the full-time EV you have.
Location says "Florida" so at least 2 of the 3 is likely to obtain....Do you know if they are LRR tires? I mean, high 50s is a crazy Gen2-like number. Mild temps? Flat roads? Grandpa driving?
You can measure amps (real time power draw) but not amp-hours (capacity).Thanks Canehdian,
I appreciate your suggestions and information!
Just wondering, can you use one of these to determine Amps during use? Or is this something that only GM can do by dropping the battery?
Thanks again!
Only measurement of battery power remaining is SOC%, calculated by the battery computer.
There is supposed to be a PID for it (posted here on printouts from the dealer in various threads over time) but to date no one has discovered (or they haven't said anything) what the PID is for us to use with our own OBD readers.
I have this type of OBD which I have used in my LEAF since 2013. It clearly shows the 96 cell voltage pairs and the battery SOC, kWh, and the degradation [Ah capacity, state of health] of the traction battery. The OBD dongle works reliably and I haven't had any problems so far. Haven't spent the time to use in my Volt since I don't think battery degradation is a major issue.I purchased one like this for a friend, seems to have worked fine. But I didn't do long term testing (so don't drive with it plugged in until you have)
http://www.buyincoins.com/item/39362.html#.WLYM8zsrKUk
Mine is very similar but much older (and much more expensive!!) - probably the same internal components. Mine has been used extensively, even while driving for hours on end without issue.
+ Torque app and load in the custom PIDs listed on the forums here.
Just got mine back today. Paperwork says section #1 replaced so I assume that's not the large one behind the seat like yours. Same thing, low voltage on that section. Just happy to have her back. Fingers crossed we're done with issues until I find a Gen 2 I can't live without before the warranty is up on this one in a few years!Earlier today, the dealership called to let me know that my Volt was ready for pickup. There was about half a ream worth of paper with all the notes from the mechanic that the dealer kept. I spoke with the mechanic, and he indicated that there were two cells within the top portion of the 'T' (behind the seats) that fell outside operating voltage range that caused the battery to shutdown. He stated that although this is not a common occurrence, most replacements happen with this particular module. GM replaced the entire module (#3) though I'm not sure if it was a newly manufactured or refurbished unit. It was in the shop for 43 days, and about 32 of those days were spent waiting for the module to be shipped. It has been a long wait, but I am glad to be behind the wheel of the Volt once again!
These are the tires that were on the car when I bought it, granted the car was used - Firestone FR710 which are LRR. I live in Florida near the coast and the roads are flat, and the weather has been rather mild lately, and I drive just as I always have. My driving style has always been to stay with the flow of traffic, and try to anticipate traffic patterns. The only difference is the battery replacement. The battery is starting to settle in, but I am still seeing high 50s to low 60s actual range. I'm starting to wonder if the original battery always lacked in capacity since I bought it.Do you know if they are LRR tires? I mean, high 50s is a crazy Gen2-like number. Mild temps? Flat roads? Grandpa driving?
The more full charges/discharges you do, the faster it will learn. However, if this is really not part of your "usual" driving routine (I wish I didn't have to burn a little gas most days, honestly), I would just kick back and enjoy the full-time EV you have.
I did borrow a 2017 model for a day and noticed that the range was around 80 or so in the same conditions.
I'm glad to hear you got your trusty Volt back!Just got mine back today. Paperwork says section #1 replaced so I assume that's not the large one behind the seat like yours. Same thing, low voltage on that section. Just happy to have her back. Fingers crossed we're done with issues until I find a Gen 2 I can't live without before the warranty is up on this one in a few years!
I would be interested to know if you notice a range increase as well.Great information! I will be making a purchase in the near future. Thanks for your help!I have this type of OBD which I have used in my LEAF since 2013. It clearly shows the 96 cell voltage pairs and the battery SOC, kWh, and the degradation [Ah capacity, state of health] of the traction battery. The OBD dongle works reliably and I haven't had any problems so far. Haven't spent the time to use in my Volt since I don't think battery degradation is a major issue.
It could be a bit of Grandpa driving... Though I learned to drive in the Chicago area, and I always thought I-90/94 was the suggested speed and not just the shield numberLocation says "Florida" so at least 2 of the 3 is likely to obtain....
Kidding aside, I do drive with traffic, but I tend to take the back roads and just cruise. I've seen too many accidents and bad judgement on the main road most take (US 1) so I avoid it like the plague!
Volt Lifespan?
Does the traction battery warranty end after 100,000 miles total or 100,000 miles of electric running? I have a 2102 Volt with 91,000 total miles with about 40,000 miles electric, is it near the end of its useful life? What would it cost to replace a traction battery?
Does the traction battery warranty end after 100,000 miles total or 100,000 miles of electric running? I have a 2102 Volt with 91,000 total miles with about 40,000 miles electric, is it near the end of its useful life? What would it cost to replace a traction battery?
Warranties are based on total mileage, regardless of % gas and % electric.
Your battery has lots of life left in it. Replacement battery is about $4000 last we checked.. perhaps cheaper if they are using newer, cheaper cells for future replacements.
Your battery has lots of life left in it. Replacement battery is about $4000 last we checked.. perhaps cheaper if they are using newer, cheaper cells for future replacements.
Let's put it this way: The Gen 2 battery is supposed to be (by GM engineering) good for about 6000 cycles as implemented. That's about 180,000 EV miles, or about 16 years of "full charge every day". And partial charges count for less. Gen 1 might be not quite as good, but the cells aren't THAT different between the generations, so you can still expect that the battery will likely outlive much of the rest of the car. And when it DOES degrade you'll just run on gas earlier, turning your Volt into something that runs like a Prius Prime instead. Presuming gas is still available and sold to fuel cars by the time that happens, of course.
http://www.androidauthority.com/interview-chevrolet-volt-battery-619915/
http://www.androidauthority.com/interview-chevrolet-volt-battery-619915/
I would actually hazard a guess that gen 1 battery will last longer than gen2.Let's put it this way: The Gen 2 battery is supposed to be (by GM engineering) good for about 6000 cycles as implemented. That's about 180,000 EV miles, or about 16 years of "full charge every day". And partial charges count for less. Gen 1 might be not quite as good, but the cells aren't THAT different between the generations, so you can still expect that the battery will likely outlive much of the rest of the car. And when it DOES degrade you'll just run on gas earlier, turning your Volt into something that runs like a Prius Prime instead. Presuming gas is still available and sold to fuel cars by the time that happens, of course.
http://www.androidauthority.com/interview-chevrolet-volt-battery-619915/
They were overly conservative and pampered it too much, such that they relaxed a bit and let you use more of the battery.
Shortens the overall maximum life, but you get more usable from it. A trade-off they only knew about after 5 years of extensive gen1 data to go on. I doubt the newer chemistry is 10% more resilient, it's that they decided they could use 10% more and still not have it degrade to warranty level in 8-10 years. (vs gen1 is projected 15+ years by some LG Chem slides a year or two back)
I have a car with a 36month/36k mile bumper to bumper warranty. Is the car near the end of its useful life at 36k miles?I have a 2102 Volt with 91,000 total miles with about 40,000 miles electric, is it near the end of its useful life? What would it cost to replace a traction battery?
Update: the Volt is still achieving higher than normal ranges (55+) and still has a bit of trouble registering the first 1/2 kWh, and sometimes goes into negative kWh (registers as gas usage). But - I'm happy continuing for it to settle on its own, since the alternative is having it sit at the shop, and not driving this wonderful automobile! I figure the rear module had to have been replaced with a new 15' module, and perhaps I have always had diminished range since purchase (bought it used 2 years ago) which would account for the increased range that I am seeing.
41 - 60 of 68 Posts
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