Quick Answers:
Detailed Answers
What battery does the Gen 1 (2011-2015), need?
Any AGM that's the right form factor ("Group 47") should be fine. Make sure the negative terminal is toward the car's front right position, positive is front left. When choosing between different batteries, go for highest reserve capacity (the number of minutes a battery can maintain a useful voltage under a 25 ampere discharge) rather than Cold Cranking Amps, or Amp Hours. GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864595
How do I replace the battery?
The instructions below are intended as an overview and may not be complete, follow at your own risk.
Battery Disconnect Warning
Warning: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Move the key fob away from the car so it does not wake up any modules. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
For Vehicles equipped with OnStar® (UE1) with Back Up Battery:
The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow limited OnStar® functionality in the event of a main vehicle battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar®module). Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar® fuse with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar® module in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once activated the BUB must be replaced.
Replacing a battery involves the following safety precautions. Remove all rings and wrist watch. Never short the positive terminal to the negative terminal, or to a metal part of the car while the negative cable is connected to its terminal.
Dispose of the old battery properly.
Pros and Cons of AGM Batteries?
The biggest con is cost, they are more expensive. Pros (above) are safety and up to a 10 yr life span (depending on heat, etc.). AGM have much lower self-discharge rates than do typical lead-acid wet cells. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery#Absorbed_glass_mat
Does the battery have vent/overflow hose connected to it?
Yes, the original AGM battery has a vent/overflow hose connected to it. If you're going to replace the OEM battery with a third-party one, it needs to have a port that will allow that vent/overflow hose to be connected.
What if I think my battery has a problem?
Take it to a dealer to be properly diagnosed (a tire shop can't do that). If there's something wrong with the battery -it will be tested/verified and if necessary replaced under warranty (assuming the car qualifies). If there's a bad connection- it will be located and repaired. If you are routinely using "Service Mode" for some unknown reason and draining the battery- then that's on you.
Can I use a voltmeter/multimeter to determine if the battery is going bad?
No. You can't tell much about the condition/performance of the AGM battery (or the charging system for that matter) with just a voltmeter. Dealers use an expensive capacitance based test tool called the Midtronics GR8 at the very least you would need an old school carbon-pile load tester
12V battery replaced
I checked at the battery with a digital multimeter. Initial reading on start ramped up to 15.1, then began to drop. After a couple minutes, it was at 14.1 or so. I have seen it running as low as 13.0 and as high as 15.1.
Testing and charging the AGM battery is different from regular lead acid batteries. These voltage readings would be considered 100% normal for the Volt's BCM controlled 12V charging system as it is dependent on a myriad of variables such as temperature, load demand, and basic joule counting. AGM batteries are usually never constantly charged over 14.8V. As long as the rate of charge falls in a few minutes to that range, the system is working as planned.
12V battery replaced
Can I replace the original battery with a regular lead-acid battery?
The Volt uses an AGM (Absorbant Glass Matt) battery. Using a standard 12-volt battery is not recommended. For one, a standard 12-volt battery will result in reduced 12-volt battery life. Two, software driving the charging schedule from the 14V power module (APM) assumes an AGM. Another reason is that the car's starting charge Voltage is 15.1 Volts which can kill all kinds of lead batteries. Three, with the sealed battery and the mat holding things in place, the hydrogen and oxygen recombine back into water with great efficiency - and since the acid isn't a free liquid, it can't do nasty things to people if the battery is broken open in the event of a crash. Four, unlike a lead acid battery, with an AGM you don't need to periodically check the electrolyte levels and add water to them. And five, the AGM will have less hydrogen off-gassing which is potentially explosive in a confined space.
AGM batteries are permanently sealed. The AGM battery uses glass mats that absorb a very small amount of acid (electrolytes) held in place by surface tension and capillary action. The matts are pressed between the plates instead of immersing the plates in electrolytes. This allows for a smaller, lighter battery that is less susceptible to heat but still delivers the same amount of power.
So with AGM, you trade some complexity in construction and cost for a maintenance free battery that's a lot safer in an accident.
More at Online Battery Store | Best Price Batteries, Chargers, Solar Chargers, Terminals, Cables and Accessories!
Can I replace the original battery with a Li battery?
Probably not. Besides an even higher cost (think $1,200), the problem with Lithium as 12V is cold weather. The Volt needs the 12V to run the computer and some other components even if sub-zero weather. The extra cost it would take to build and properly temperature control a separate 12 volt Lithium battery is not justified for the application that the AGM battery serves in the Volt.
Can I use a regular battery charger with the Volt's AGM battery.
Probably not a good idea. The charger has to sense when the battery has reached full charge and taper back the applied voltage accordingly. Make sure that the charger you use is designed to charge AGM batteries. If available, use the “AGM” setting on the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts. The NOCO brand battery chargers provide the proper charging profiles to maintain an AGM battery. A quick google search should line up one if needed.
BCI Group 47 Battery Dimensional Specifications, Polarity & Terminals :
Group: 47
L: 9.70" 246mm
W:6.90" 175mm
H: 7.50" 190mm
Figure:15
Polarity: R/H-POS
Terminals: TOP - SAE AUTO
http://www.batteryweb.com/
Reported Replacement Batteries
AC-Delco EREV BCI Group 47 Starting Battery, Part# EVLN2. Compatibility: GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864595
AC-Delco EREV BCI Group 47 Starting Battery, Part# 47AGM. Compatibility: GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864083
![Image]()
Above via: http://www.dstgateway.com/ACDelcoDocuments/BatterySpecifications.pdf
Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Platinum AGM Battery, Group Size H5, Part No. H5-AGM
TRT41 is the discount code
OE Exact Fit; Battery is vented to outside of vehicle.; AGM Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) is required; Installation may take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk.; OE Spec: OE Group H5 AGM; OE CCA 630; Battery Spec: 60 Ah; Battery Spec: Flat Plate AGM
Batteries Plus Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM, Item# SLI47AGM,
48-month warranty
Deka 9AGM47 12V600CCA
Voltage: 12V
Group No.: 47 (H5/L2)
Cold Cranking Amps: 600
Reserve Capacity: 100
Ref CA @32F: 690
20 Hour Capacity: 60
Terminal Type: Automotive
Length Inches: 9-9/16”
Width Inches: 6-7/8”
Height Inches: 7-1/2”
Weight Lbs.: 39
Type: AGM
www.batteryweb.com
O'Reilly Auto Super Start Platinum Line: SSB | Part # 47PLT
•Group Size (BCI): 47
•AGM Valve-Regulated Battery Required
•Battery Located In Trunk
•Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 600 CCA
•Cranking Amps (CA): 690 CA
•Reserve Capacity (min): 100 Minute
•Voltage (V): 12 Volt
•Length (In): 9-9/16 Inch
•Width (In): 6-7/8 Inch
•Height (In): 7-1/2 Inch
•Weight (Lbs): 39 Lbs.
•Terminal Type: Top Post
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...ery+-+Automotive/C0423/C0005.oap?year=2011&make=Chevrolet&model=Volt&vi=5175792
Sears DieHard Gold AGM Automotive Battery - Group Size EP-47
Item # 02850747000P Model # 50747
Dimensions:
Item Weight (lbs.): 39
Length (in.): 9.625”
Width (in.): 6.875”
Height (in.): 7.5”
Group Size: 47
Power Ratings:
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F): 600
Reserve Capacity (RC): 100
German supplier Panther AGM 60 - 12 V / 60 Ah - 550 A/EN
http://www.batterie-industrie-germany.de/batterien/auto/big/big-agm-60-12-v-60-ah-550-a-en/a-1004/
Related threads:
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?92913-can-you-put-another-type-of-12-volt-battery-in-volt/
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?11231-12V-battery-replaced
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthrea...hp?279625-do-i-have-to-replace-the-12-volt-battery-with-the-one-chevy-recomends
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?10171-What-chemistry-is-the-Volt-s-12-volt-battery/
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?198202-Replacing-12V-Battery.-Which-one-should-I-buy
- What battery does the Gen 1 (2011-2015), need? AGM BCI Group 47, GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864595
- How do I replace the battery? See general info below.
- Pros and Cons of AGM Batteries? Pro: Longevity, Safety. Con: Cost
- Does the battery have vent/overflow hose connected to it? Yes
- What if I think my battery has a problem? Take to dealer.
- Can I use a voltmeter/multimeter to determine if the battery is going bad? No
- Can I replace the original battery with a regular lead-acid battery? No
- Can I replace the original battery with a Li battery? No
- Can I use a regular battery charger with the Volt's AGM battery. Probably not
- Battery Dimensional Specifications, Polarity & Terminals? See details below.
- Retailer list? See details below.
Detailed Answers
What battery does the Gen 1 (2011-2015), need?
Any AGM that's the right form factor ("Group 47") should be fine. Make sure the negative terminal is toward the car's front right position, positive is front left. When choosing between different batteries, go for highest reserve capacity (the number of minutes a battery can maintain a useful voltage under a 25 ampere discharge) rather than Cold Cranking Amps, or Amp Hours. GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864595
How do I replace the battery?
The instructions below are intended as an overview and may not be complete, follow at your own risk.
Battery Disconnect Warning
Warning: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Move the key fob away from the car so it does not wake up any modules. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
For Vehicles equipped with OnStar® (UE1) with Back Up Battery:
The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow limited OnStar® functionality in the event of a main vehicle battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar®module). Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar® fuse with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar® module in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause activation of the OnStar® Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once activated the BUB must be replaced.
Replacing a battery involves the following safety precautions. Remove all rings and wrist watch. Never short the positive terminal to the negative terminal, or to a metal part of the car while the negative cable is connected to its terminal.
- Open the rear hatch.
- Grab the carpeted cargo flap and pull straight up and it'll detach.
- Turn off all the lamps and accessories.
- Turn the ignition OFF.
- Remove the rear compartment floor stowage trim compartment. There are four 10mm bolts, one in each of the 4 corners of that big black plastic tray.
- Loosen negative cable nut (9 Nm or 80lb in). Remove negative battery cable from battery terminal and reposition cable away from the battery. Clean any existing corrosion from the battery cable end. Bag the exposed metal end in a heavy plastic bag, then wrap that with a towel.
- Remove the battery vent hose from the battery case. It's located on the negative terminal side of the battery toward the top center.
- Unlock the retaining tab on the battery fuse box cover (on the positive terminal side).
- Open the battery fuse box flap. Note: Pull the battery fuse box housing. DO NOT pull the flap.
- Unlock the retaining tab and open the battery fuse box cover.
- Remove the battery positive cable to fuse block nut.
- Reposition the positive battery cable away from the battery.
- Loosen the battery positive clamp nut (12 Nm, 106 lb in).
- Remove the fuse block retainer clips and reposition the fuse block.
- Remove the battery retainer bolt (9Nm, 80 lb in).
- Remove the battery hold down strap and the hold down retainer.
- Remove the battery from the rear compartment area.
Dispose of the old battery properly.
Pros and Cons of AGM Batteries?
The biggest con is cost, they are more expensive. Pros (above) are safety and up to a 10 yr life span (depending on heat, etc.). AGM have much lower self-discharge rates than do typical lead-acid wet cells. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRLA_battery#Absorbed_glass_mat
Does the battery have vent/overflow hose connected to it?
Yes, the original AGM battery has a vent/overflow hose connected to it. If you're going to replace the OEM battery with a third-party one, it needs to have a port that will allow that vent/overflow hose to be connected.
What if I think my battery has a problem?
Take it to a dealer to be properly diagnosed (a tire shop can't do that). If there's something wrong with the battery -it will be tested/verified and if necessary replaced under warranty (assuming the car qualifies). If there's a bad connection- it will be located and repaired. If you are routinely using "Service Mode" for some unknown reason and draining the battery- then that's on you.
Can I use a voltmeter/multimeter to determine if the battery is going bad?
No. You can't tell much about the condition/performance of the AGM battery (or the charging system for that matter) with just a voltmeter. Dealers use an expensive capacitance based test tool called the Midtronics GR8 at the very least you would need an old school carbon-pile load tester
12V battery replaced
I checked at the battery with a digital multimeter. Initial reading on start ramped up to 15.1, then began to drop. After a couple minutes, it was at 14.1 or so. I have seen it running as low as 13.0 and as high as 15.1.
Testing and charging the AGM battery is different from regular lead acid batteries. These voltage readings would be considered 100% normal for the Volt's BCM controlled 12V charging system as it is dependent on a myriad of variables such as temperature, load demand, and basic joule counting. AGM batteries are usually never constantly charged over 14.8V. As long as the rate of charge falls in a few minutes to that range, the system is working as planned.
12V battery replaced
Can I replace the original battery with a regular lead-acid battery?
The Volt uses an AGM (Absorbant Glass Matt) battery. Using a standard 12-volt battery is not recommended. For one, a standard 12-volt battery will result in reduced 12-volt battery life. Two, software driving the charging schedule from the 14V power module (APM) assumes an AGM. Another reason is that the car's starting charge Voltage is 15.1 Volts which can kill all kinds of lead batteries. Three, with the sealed battery and the mat holding things in place, the hydrogen and oxygen recombine back into water with great efficiency - and since the acid isn't a free liquid, it can't do nasty things to people if the battery is broken open in the event of a crash. Four, unlike a lead acid battery, with an AGM you don't need to periodically check the electrolyte levels and add water to them. And five, the AGM will have less hydrogen off-gassing which is potentially explosive in a confined space.
AGM batteries are permanently sealed. The AGM battery uses glass mats that absorb a very small amount of acid (electrolytes) held in place by surface tension and capillary action. The matts are pressed between the plates instead of immersing the plates in electrolytes. This allows for a smaller, lighter battery that is less susceptible to heat but still delivers the same amount of power.
So with AGM, you trade some complexity in construction and cost for a maintenance free battery that's a lot safer in an accident.
More at Online Battery Store | Best Price Batteries, Chargers, Solar Chargers, Terminals, Cables and Accessories!
Can I replace the original battery with a Li battery?
Probably not. Besides an even higher cost (think $1,200), the problem with Lithium as 12V is cold weather. The Volt needs the 12V to run the computer and some other components even if sub-zero weather. The extra cost it would take to build and properly temperature control a separate 12 volt Lithium battery is not justified for the application that the AGM battery serves in the Volt.
Can I use a regular battery charger with the Volt's AGM battery.
Probably not a good idea. The charger has to sense when the battery has reached full charge and taper back the applied voltage accordingly. Make sure that the charger you use is designed to charge AGM batteries. If available, use the “AGM” setting on the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts. The NOCO brand battery chargers provide the proper charging profiles to maintain an AGM battery. A quick google search should line up one if needed.
BCI Group 47 Battery Dimensional Specifications, Polarity & Terminals :
Group: 47
L: 9.70" 246mm
W:6.90" 175mm
H: 7.50" 190mm
Figure:15
Polarity: R/H-POS
Terminals: TOP - SAE AUTO
http://www.batteryweb.com/
Reported Replacement Batteries
AC-Delco EREV BCI Group 47 Starting Battery, Part# EVLN2. Compatibility: GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864595
AC-Delco EREV BCI Group 47 Starting Battery, Part# 47AGM. Compatibility: GENERAL MOTORS OE Part Number: 88864083
Above via: http://www.dstgateway.com/ACDelcoDocuments/BatterySpecifications.pdf
Advance Auto Parts AutoCraft Platinum AGM Battery, Group Size H5, Part No. H5-AGM
TRT41 is the discount code
OE Exact Fit; Battery is vented to outside of vehicle.; AGM Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) is required; Installation may take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk.; OE Spec: OE Group H5 AGM; OE CCA 630; Battery Spec: 60 Ah; Battery Spec: Flat Plate AGM
Batteries Plus Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM, Item# SLI47AGM,
48-month warranty
Deka 9AGM47 12V600CCA
Voltage: 12V
Group No.: 47 (H5/L2)
Cold Cranking Amps: 600
Reserve Capacity: 100
Ref CA @32F: 690
20 Hour Capacity: 60
Terminal Type: Automotive
Length Inches: 9-9/16”
Width Inches: 6-7/8”
Height Inches: 7-1/2”
Weight Lbs.: 39
Type: AGM
Online Battery Store | Best Price Batteries, Chargers, Solar Chargers, Terminals, Cables and Accessories!
Battery Web | Best Prices On All Batteries & Chargers. Great Deals on Solar Panels and Battery Testers.
www.batteryweb.com
O'Reilly Auto Super Start Platinum Line: SSB | Part # 47PLT
•Group Size (BCI): 47
•AGM Valve-Regulated Battery Required
•Battery Located In Trunk
•Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 600 CCA
•Cranking Amps (CA): 690 CA
•Reserve Capacity (min): 100 Minute
•Voltage (V): 12 Volt
•Length (In): 9-9/16 Inch
•Width (In): 6-7/8 Inch
•Height (In): 7-1/2 Inch
•Weight (Lbs): 39 Lbs.
•Terminal Type: Top Post
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...ery+-+Automotive/C0423/C0005.oap?year=2011&make=Chevrolet&model=Volt&vi=5175792
Sears DieHard Gold AGM Automotive Battery - Group Size EP-47
Item # 02850747000P Model # 50747
Dimensions:
Item Weight (lbs.): 39
Length (in.): 9.625”
Width (in.): 6.875”
Height (in.): 7.5”
Group Size: 47
Power Ratings:
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA at 0 deg.F): 600
Reserve Capacity (RC): 100
German supplier Panther AGM 60 - 12 V / 60 Ah - 550 A/EN
http://www.batterie-industrie-germany.de/batterien/auto/big/big-agm-60-12-v-60-ah-550-a-en/a-1004/
Related threads:
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?92913-can-you-put-another-type-of-12-volt-battery-in-volt/
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?11231-12V-battery-replaced
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthrea...hp?279625-do-i-have-to-replace-the-12-volt-battery-with-the-one-chevy-recomends
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?10171-What-chemistry-is-the-Volt-s-12-volt-battery/
https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?198202-Replacing-12V-Battery.-Which-one-should-I-buy
