[Arcanox]

It could have been a stuck contactor. Sitting that long in the cold, it may have had problems closing the HV contactor for powering on the high voltage system.

I doubt it would be a 12V system issue because it ended up starting after several tries and stayed on the entire way home. The car can't run without sufficient 12V voltage to maintain the computers for the HV system.

 

[Arcanox]

My guess is the battery was the 12v battery was a bit too low on power after sitting for a week and in the cold. I had a similar issue with my Gen1 where it was cold and the electronics powered up but the car wouldn't move. I could shift in to drive but the pedal did nothing and the CEL was on. It felt like the car was half on and half off. It took about 15 attempts to get it "started" and then it started working and I went to get a new battery.

The Gen 2 should keep the 12V battery charged while plugged in. I've seen the interior light brightness jump a little up and down if I'm sitting with the doors open and the car plugged in, as it cycles the the 12V charger on and off as it gets low.

 

[Arcanox]

Okay, so update...

The dealer called back after talking to the GM people. Apparently somehow the transmission and the electric motors are having a problem and causing things to overcharge. They are replacing the whole transmission unit! Not sure if that includes the electric motors too or what as I'm not that familiar with how all the Voltec pieces fit together. They said it was good I didn't keep driving it... kind of sounded like something bad could happen in that condition.

So... brand new car, 2600 miles on odometer. Transmission replacement. Making me rethink my change of heart with domestic cars that brought me over to the Volt in the first place.

Jeez! I wish the dealers would give owners more information on what's wrong with their car. That sounds like a pretty severe issue.

I had to replace Battery Segment 3 on mine at 5k miles...I'm having the same second thoughts as you about buying a domestic car hopefully both our cars are fine from now on!

 

[Arcanox]

Right... I'll see if I can find out more information in the next few days. I asked what the replacement entailed but the service advisor said he honestly didn't know much about the Volt and wasn't sure exactly what they would be doing yet.

I'd be interested to hear the Volt technician explain the issue.

I wish more GM employees knew about the Volt in detail. When I had my HV battery issue, my MIL illuminated and then the car wouldn't restart after that. GM offered to send somebody to jump start the 12V battery. I'm like "no, I guarantee that would be a complete waste of time...I need a tow truck."