[buddha]

So I've run into the dreaded issue where the heater doesn't work when the engine is off. Sounds like this has happened to a lot of Volts; I wish Chevy would man up and take responsibility since these are relatively new cars.

Anyway, my local dealership charges an arm and a leg for everything. Am I wrong to think that I should just throw an extra layer on and set the ERDTT to the higher temperature to save some dough? I already use hold judiciously at beginning of rides during the winter.

 

[Barry]

I think most people would want to fix that, but considering you can always get heat just by pressing the mode button, you could definitely get away with leaving it broken.

I can't recall if the heating element is covered by the longer Voltec warranty. I think it might be. I am sure others here can say.

 

[buddha]

Yeah, I just don't want to drop a grand to fix it and have it recur. I already had the clicking axle nut problem that Chevy didn't take responsibility for either. Cost me $400+ at the dealer. I learned my lesson though if the clicking happens again, I'll be fixing it myself. ��

My commute is long enough that I do run the engine regardless in the wintertime. So, I'm thinking it may be worth seeing. Generally I run the engine for a few miles at the beginning of the commute when it's cold enough outside.

BTW my bumper to bumper ended in August. Unfortunately, I believe my heater problems began last winter, and I just didn't realize it until now.

 

[Barry]

You are also correct that the problem will be unnoticeable below 35 degrees F when ERDTT will be active (if you set it that way). If you have seat heaters, that can help as well.

Maybe the biggest problem is that your windshield defrost button may not work well all the time. Could be an issue if someone else is driving the car and they are not familiar with it.

 

[buddha]

Yeah good point about the defrost.

I get that most people would want this repaired. I'm just a little sore over the faulty equipment (axle nut and electric heater components). I'm just over 3 years into ownership and having to drop $1500 on what essentially amounts to bad engineering by Chevy doesn't make me happy.

I went with GM over Tesla because I thought they'd have a better handle on these sorts of quality issues. I'm perplexed as to why Chevy wouldn't address high frequency issues such as these in a relatively new car like the Volt. It's been my experience that Volt owners are savvy customers who will likely be buying new cars in the future.

I guess I'll take it in... again... and see if they'll cover it under the voltec. If they're going to charge me a grand I'll explore other options.

 

[jayoldschool]

My experience and research may help you:

https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?270249-No-heat-in-2105-on-EV&highlight=heat+2015

 

[buddha]

Thanks for the info. Part of the reason I go to that particular dealer is that they have a designated service tech who works on Volts. (his family owns one)

I haven't gotten an estimate yet. Not sounding good so far though. Service advisor told me "he's having a heck of a time chasing down the problem... Had all of the hoses taken apart Friday. He's going to take another look at a Monday."

That doesn't sound reassuring at all. I figured they'd be able to pinpoint the issue relatively quickly and that the difficulty would possibly be waiting for a part not diagnosis.

 

[turboguy327]

If you search there are plenty of threads to help you.

 

[Sly Bob]

Have you checked the three way valve?

 

[El Dobro]

Turn the heater on and listen for the electric coolant pump in the RH wheel well. If it's running, you will be able to hear it.

 

[buddha]

Yeah I read the other threads. And I could hear the pump by the passenger side wheel.

They are saying there's a "restriction" causing the problem. Original estimate was for $1500 but they called GM who agreed to pay half. I'm annoyed by this as the car is only 3 years old.

The only thing I can think at this point is that I need to make 100% sure the electric heat is working when I pick it up.

 

[buddha]

Okay I spoke to the actual mechanic because the service advisor didn't give me enough info.

He's replacing the heater, valve, and filter. He said pump still works. They called gm about possible voltec coverage, but gm would only agree to pay half. Still that's better than nothing considering the original estimate.

Anyone know if this is likely to recur? $1500 every two or three years is not an acceptable situation.
i.e. If they are just replacing the parts, wouldn't the same issue repeat itself eventually?