[CCIE]

Another thread about a failed water pump made me remember that the Volt does have a standard belt-driven water pump on the engine. I searched, but didn't see any threads discussing its expected life or replacement procedure. Just one mention of it having to be cut off. I really hope that doesn't mean a motor mount has to be separated to change it. GM loves doing that.


Has anyone had to replace the belt due to failure? If so, was it difficult to change?


Given the lack of discussion about it, I guess it's must be very reliable (knock on wood). But, I'd like to be prepared given that mine is close to 100k miles.

 

[Southcross]

I too would love to know... historically I do my own repairs

 

[freshcut]

This should help

http://www.autocats.ws/manual/chevrolet/tis0911/en/documents_2012/Volt/SM-R/92523214.EN.html#4711

It appears that GM does require the engine mount to be removed.

 

[El Dobro]

At least there's no belt tensioner to deal with.

 

[rdunniii]

I certainly hope mine lasts until someone comes up with an electric replacement.

 

[CCIE]

This should help

http://www.autocats.ws/manual/chevrolet/tis0911/en/documents_2012/Volt/SM-R/92523214.EN.html#4711

It appears that GM does require the engine mount to be removed.

Ugh. Sometimes I wonder what these engineers are thinking.

Speaking of unserviceable designs, I helped my sister change the headlight on her Malibu about a month ago. Had to remove the entire front bumper cover to get to it. Searched everywhere for an alternative, but no luck. Two hours to change a headlight bulb! Needless to say I swapped out both, as well as every other lightbulb in both assemblies while I had it apart.

 

[freshcut]

There isn't a rear access point under the hood to change the bulb? I realize a lot of parts are "lifetime service" but bulbs shouldn't be one of them unless it's LED.

 

[tacman7]

I thought you followed the wires up to the socket and the socket comes out with a half turn from the back...

 

[CCIE]

There isn't a rear access point under the hood to change the bulb? I realize a lot of parts are "lifetime service" but bulbs shouldn't be one of them unless it's LED.

Nope. I couldn't believe it either. There was no way to access the back of the headlight assemblies. Again, this is a Malibu, not a Volt. but, it illustrates how little car makers consider serviceability.

 

[Raymondjram]

I certainly hope mine lasts until someone comes up with an electric replacement.

Electric coolant pumps exist in modern vehicles. The Ford hybrids have it. There are no belts on their 2.0 L gas engines.

 

[Raymondjram]

Nope. I couldn't believe it either. There was no way to access the back of the headlight assemblies. Again, this is a Malibu, not a Volt. but, it illustrates how little car makers consider serviceability.

I changed all the lamps in my 2009 Chevy Equinox to LEDs and it was not too easy (it is explained in the Owner Manual), but it was done all at once and now I will never need to replace any bulb. My Equinox is 100% LED inside and outside.

 

[El Dobro]

The Gen III and up Prii have electric pumps.

 

[wBronze]

I'm taking note of things like this. On some magical day I'll have my volt dissected and research alternatives or mods, maybe even a direct retrofit from a) newer volt model b) adapter for a ford electric pump. That's all assuming similar flow rates, performance specs, etc.