[zfil]

Does anyone know a way of turning it off? I guess it is more efficient when I am going 50 miles but when I am going to the grocery store with a fully charged battery, it seems stupid.

 

[imanjunk1963]

Assuming its not running for force maintenance mode of gas there is 2 settings at least on gen 1 that allows you to tell it when you want the engine to cut on in cold weather. I am guessing since its been a while since I set mine but I think its like 30 degrees and 15 degrees. You may have it set at the default value to turn on of the higher temperature. Or are you referring to other issues? Read the manual.

 

[Ziv]

There is a way to over-ride the ERDTT software, but it involves a fix that may void your warrantee. And I didn't pay enough attention to it so I can't remember how it is done. But when I looked it up, I found this"
" ...removed the connector to the outside air temperature sensor (positioned in the front grill in the Volt just like it is in the PIP) and plugged in a common 15K Ohm resistor into the harness connector that makes the computer think the outside air temperature is 58deg F. Since the computer thinks it’s 58deg F outside- it doesn’t fire up the ICE! "
I wouldn't do it myself.

 

[Steverino]

1. Read the owners manual
2. Follow the instructions to set the minimum threshold for ERDTT (Engine Running Due To Temperature)

Or use the ERDTT air sensor hack mentioned by ZIV, It won't void the warranty, it just adjusts the system to respond at an even lower temperature. See http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?127761-ERDTT-Modification-Options&p=1758281#post1758281

 

[ClarksonCote]

1. Read the owners manual
2. Follow the instructions to set the minimum threshold for ERDTT (Engine Running Due To Temperature)

Or use the ERDTT air sensor hack mentioned by ZIV, It won't void the warranty, it just adjusts the system to respond at an even lower temperature. See http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?127761-ERDTT-Modification-Options&p=1758281#post1758281

Right. There's a setting called "Deferred" outline in the owner's manual that will only turn the engine on below +15F instead of anytime below 35F. You can also disable engine assisted heating while plugged in, and then when you're plugged in it won't turn on regardless of any outdoor temperature (until you unplug, then it reverts to the 15F or 35F setpoints).

Unfortunately, beyond that, there's nothing that can be done unless you go the sensor hack approach.

 

[viking79]

I recommend doing the deferred approach to turn on at 15 F, and if it is very close to that and you are afraid it will turn on right before destination, start the engine with Hold when you leave the house just to warm it up and switch back to normal or sport. The sensor hack also works, but at such cold temps your range will be very bad EV only with max/comfort heat.

 

[Norton]

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[jemez]

I feel your pain. I knew this would happen when I bought the Volt. but it's worse than I expected. On my normal commutes in the last week, every drive I've done has been within EV range, but about 2/3 of the driving has been done on gas. I'm surprised the car doesn't at least shut the engine down when it's stopped at a traffic light.

 

[jcanoe]

I feel your pain. I knew this would happen when I bought the Volt. but it's worse than I expected. On my normal commutes in the last week, every drive I've done has been within EV range, but about 2/3 of the driving has been done on gas. I'm surprised the car doesn't at least shut the engine down when it's stopped at a traffic light.

When Engine Assist Heat is running the Volt will only run the ICE until the engine coolant temperature reaches ~140F/60C then cycle off. The Volt will cycle the gas engine to keep the engine coolant temperature between 120F/50C and 14/60C to be able to provide cabin heat. Unlike Hold Mode, Engine Assist Heat will continue to run the ICE at traffic signals if the engine coolant temperature has not yet warmed sufficiently to provide cabin heat. Engine Assist Heat does generate some surplus power that goes into the battery but the gas engine does not power the wheels the way that the gas engine powers the wheels in Hold Mode or Mountain mode and should use less fuel than either of these two modes.

 

[Woodmann67]

Just game that engine once in awhile and realize there is no free lunch....good for the soul....!!!

 

[caronjeff]

After a few years the newbies will come to appreciate that ICE firing up on cold winter mornings not only for quick cabin heat but clear windows as well. It’s well worth the 20 cents in gas spent on the way to buy a $5 latte!

 

[Norton]

1.Just game that engine once in awhile

2. and realize there is no free lunch.

3....good for the soul....!!!

1. ? What do you mean? ERDDT is there no matter what you do....
2. Actually there is. Buy a BEV and live where there is a large, free charging network!
3. ? What do you mean?

BTW.
ERDDT is not good for the engine. Running it as a 'Gas Burning Hot Water Heater' and never getting the coolant above 150* F, never burns off moisture in the oil. Go all winter like that and look under your oil fill cap.

My soul feels sorry for your soul,, only they don't exist....

 

[somms]

BTW.
ERDDT is not good for the engine. Running it as a 'Gas Burning Hot Water Heater' and never getting the coolant above 150* F, never burns off moisture in the oil. Go all winter like that and look under your oil fill cap.

My Gen1 is rolling into its 6th consecutive ERDTT perma-defeat winter now...my how time 'flies'!

 

[zfil]

Thanks for the suggestions. You might notice that the owner's manual is not the simplest thing to read and certainly not to find anything in.

 

[Neromanceres]

When Engine Assist Heat is running the Volt will only run the ICE until the engine coolant temperature reaches ~140F/60C then cycle off. The Volt will cycle the gas engine to keep the engine coolant temperature between 120F/50C and 14/60C to be able to provide cabin heat. Unlike Hold Mode, Engine Assist Heat will continue to run the ICE at traffic signals if the engine coolant temperature has not yet warmed sufficiently to provide cabin heat. Engine Assist Heat does generate some surplus power that goes into the battery but the gas engine does not power the wheels the way that the gas engine powers the wheels in Hold Mode or Mountain mode and should use less fuel than either of these two modes.

^^^ This.

Also a little trick. If you run you climate on Max/Comfort with a high temperature set point and low fan speed the electric heater will keep the coolant temperature up longer and will reduce how often ERDTT runs and will reduce the duration of the runs.

 

[snic]

Does anyone know a way of turning it off? I guess it is more efficient when I am going 50 miles but when I am going to the grocery store with a fully charged battery, it seems stupid.

The best ways to keep the engine off for these short trips in 15 degree F or lower temperatures are to walk, jog, run, bike, snowshoe, dogsled or cross-country ski to the grocery store.

 

[jcanoe]

The best ways to keep the engine off for these short trips in 15 degree F or lower temperatures are to walk, jog, run, bike, snowshoe, dogsled or cross-country ski to the grocery store.

At those temperatures (15F/-10C or below) you would never be able to drive 50 miles on just the battery, probably closer to 30-35 miles, beyond that distance your Volt would be running in CS Mode and using gas anyway.

 

[jemez]

When Engine Assist Heat is running the Volt will only run the ICE until the engine coolant temperature reaches ~140F/60C then cycle off. The Volt will cycle the gas engine to keep the engine coolant temperature between 120F/50C and 14/60C to be able to provide cabin heat. Unlike Hold Mode, Engine Assist Heat will continue to run the ICE at traffic signals if the engine coolant temperature has not yet warmed sufficiently to provide cabin heat. Engine Assist Heat does generate some surplus power that goes into the battery but the gas engine does not power the wheels the way that the gas engine powers the wheels in Hold Mode or Mountain mode and should use less fuel than either of these two modes.

It actually seems like the engine is using more fuel during the heating cycle than in Hold mode in warmer conditions, at least while it's running. When I've run in Hold mode it's run around 5l/100km, but currently during the time that it's running it's more like 7-8l/100km.

 

[Coppersnowboarder]

Live with it.

 

[volt spain]

LIve with it, or use the ERDT hack,or get an engine heater,BTW why not to use an engine heater in Canada and cold latitudes like other cars use ?. Here in Savannah Ga no issues with temperatures , never gets below 35F,last 2" snow was 1978 LOL.