[hendersonmc]

We have had an ELR since summer, and recently, we have encountered a troubling problem. During strong acceleration, we have temporarily lost response to the accelerator pedal. In the initial case (and several times there after), this occurred abruptly with a THUNK! that initially made us think we had been hit by something. Using the Traditional Extended instrument cluster, we see the leaf on the left going up and down in reaction to stepping on the accelerator pedal, but the KW power output on the right is limited to values we typically observe when cruising the highway. Sometimes, with less aggressive acceleration, we notice a hesitation (no THUNK!). In all cases, when we take our foot off the pedal for several seconds, the ELR then becomes responsive again (never have had to stop). First the behavior was unusual, but over time it grew to happening every time we were commuting to work or back. The battery was presumably the source of power, as we were never at the range limit that would require the motor-generator to crank up (or even close).

With the problem happening regularly, we decided it was time to take the ELR into the dealership. It is the fifth day and they are lack insight as to the source of the problem. Given the mechanical simplicity of the ELR, I assume there are fewer devices to physically fail.

If anyone else has noticed a similar problem, would appreciate a post with what your situation is with regard to any isolation of the problem.

 

[Paulacton84]

what speed(s) does this occur at?

If this is happening at low speeds, (below 30 mph) then you should take it in.


under some conditions (accelerating at full throttle from smooth steady speed above 40 mph) the car will briefly hesitate while it is speeding up the main traction motor (MGB) (sun gear) and slowing down the smaller efficiency motor (MGA)(attached for steady state to the ring gear) , and then disconnecting the smaller motor from the drive line and clutching up the ring gear. this can cause a hesitation and a couple of 'thunk" like transitions.
at least this is how my volt behaves, I think the ELR system is the same except for some of the torque limits. If you anticipate it coming,you can avowing the abrupt transition by moderately toggling/poking the throttle a couple of time about 3 seconds before flooring it. THat tells the system that you are no longer in a smooth driving situation and it will complete the transitions ahead of time.

 

[Fulgerite]

This does not sound normal. I would schedule an appointment with your dealer and demonstrate the issue to the service tech.

 

[emissionsdoc]

Hmmmmm! $75,000.00+ new car and we go to a forum instead of the dealer??? Does anyone else wonder why an ELR owner would solicit repair ideas on a new car?????

 

[Volterado]

Hmmmmm! $75,000.00+ new car and we go to a forum instead of the dealer??? Does anyone else wonder why an ELR owner would solicit repair ideas on a new car?????

did you read the post? He's says the dealer has had it for five days and can't find the problem.

 

[emissionsdoc]

Doesn't Cadillac division have their own version of Katie O.??????????

 

[Fulgerite]

Doesn't Cadillac division have their own version of Katie O.??????????

I do believe the ELR has an advisor program similar to the Volt advisor program. You might want to try calling GM at 1−855-422-3357 and ask to speak with GM about the issue? Just an idea...

 

[somms]

I do believe the ELR has an advisor program similar to the Volt advisor program. You might want to try calling GM at 1−855-422-3357 and ask to speak with GM about the issue? Just an idea...

Cadillac Enhances ELR Buying Experience

Specially trained and certified dealers nationwide sell and service the 2014 ELR. Backing up the dealership experience, prospective customers and buyers of the ELR can take advantage of their own ELR Concierge Representative. Trained in white-glove customer care, the Concierge Representative is an additional point of contact for information on battery care, home charging, service scheduling, news and updates by calling 1-855-INFO-ELR (1-855-463-6357).

Not to be elitist, but I believe you would be referring to the ELR Concierge Representative good sir!

BTW: The 'Trained in white-glove customer care' statement over at the gm website is laying it on thick!

 

[Mister Dave]

Did he say "mechanical simplicity"?

 

[hendersonmc]

Mechanical simplicity compared to an ICE mechanically coupled to the drive train by a transmission. However, I did not know there were more than one electric drive motor and consequently clutches involved.

Yes, there is Concierge Service but I guess I was only thinking about them with regard to tow service... (Katie O.?)

Ok, yes the thunk was below 30mph. The problem is sporadic, probably a cause for service failing to diagnose the issue, although I am surprised that there isn't an error code to explain the issue. But, we probably drove two weeks before taking it in, just so the problem was not as sporadic as when it started.

Oh, and we paid $63k, not $75k and got free charging station and electrician installation of a new 100 ft extension to our garage, so we are happy with the value of the ELR!

 

[dankumm]

By the way....the Volt owners will be happy to know you get the same 'White Glove' service as us. When you call the caddy number given it welcomes you to the 'Volt' program (can't remember exact phrase)....they are just forwarding us to our old Volt advisors.

 

[hendersonmc]

So, I take it that nobody else is being Thunk!ed during hard acceleration in there ELR...

 

[Paulacton84]

So, I take it that nobody else is being Thunk!ed during hard acceleration in there ELR...

there was a report about 4 months ago of a similar case in a Volt, but the poster was not very clear in their writing (it was a rant) and did not comeback and explain the solution.
also, about a year ago if I remember correctly there was an report here of a volt that had a solenoid problem that caused a similar sound and symptoms. There are several solenoids (clutch operators) which, if they fail (or the wiring to them fails) will cause the condition that you report. I'm concerned though if your dealer could not diagnose the problem that they gave up. even a "occasional" problem should warrant a long through test drive by the tech in my view.

I think that your car has a problem that will eventually become "full time" and might require a tow. I hope the dealer can find it first. It is unlikely, with only several hundred on the road, that many low occurance rate problems will show up here in ELR's and I know that our Volt experiences are not fully relevant, but the related hardware is the same for your problem.

 

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

We have had an ELR since summer, and recently, we have encountered a troubling problem. During strong acceleration, we have temporarily lost response to the accelerator pedal. In the initial case (and several times there after), this occurred abruptly with a THUNK! that initially made us think we had been hit by something. Using the Traditional Extended instrument cluster, we see the leaf on the left going up and down in reaction to stepping on the accelerator pedal, but the KW power output on the right is limited to values we typically observe when cruising the highway. Sometimes, with less aggressive acceleration, we notice a hesitation (no THUNK!). In all cases, when we take our foot off the pedal for several seconds, the ELR then becomes responsive again (never have had to stop). First the behavior was unusual, but over time it grew to happening every time we were commuting to work or back. The battery was presumably the source of power, as we were never at the range limit that would require the motor-generator to crank up (or even close).

With the problem happening regularly, we decided it was time to take the ELR into the dealership. It is the fifth day and they are lack insight as to the source of the problem. Given the mechanical simplicity of the ELR, I assume there are fewer devices to physically fail.

If anyone else has noticed a similar problem, would appreciate a post with what your situation is with regard to any isolation of the problem.

Hello hendersonmc,

I'm sorry you're experiencing a thunk while accelerating in your ELR. I am happy to assist you with this concern. Please send me a private message with your VIN, mileage, contact info and the dealership you work with and we will get the appropriate teams involved to assist!

Katie O.
Chevrolet Customer Care

 

[hendersonmc]

Final diagnosis of ELR Thunk!

Just got the ELR back today. This repair started on 10/10, so nearly a month to resolve.

The PDF tells what the dealer recorded as the steps to isolate and correct the problem... If you ever get

P0700 SYM 00
or
P079A SYM 00,

then you might want to read this. Hopefully GM internally documents this...

 

[thehighat]

Just got the ELR back today. This repair started on 10/10, so nearly a month to resolve.

The PDF tells what the dealer recorded as the steps to isolate and correct the problem... If you ever get

P0700 SYM 00
or
P079A SYM 00,

then you might want to read this. Hopefully GM internally documents this...

did the problem ever come back? I've got a '16 that does this hesitation thing