I asked this on a FB group and didn't get much response...I used to occasionally use a power wash spray to do under the hood on my regular ice car, but this might not be advisable especially with all that voltage and high tech stuff in a Volt. So how do you keep it clean under there? Air compressor?
How do you clean under the hood?
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You can use a hose during regular washing but high pressure is probably not advised.
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Usually the owners manual has instructions on how to wash under the hood. The Gen I manual, however, is mute on the subject. Maybe that's why I never washed the powerplant in 3 years of leasing.
+1, done this many times. Highly pressurized streams of water are not recommended in most engine bays, especially around electrical connectors. Also best to do this when the engine is cold.
Cars are designed to resist water outside of the cabin, even under the hood. Just let the hose flow with no nozzle and gentle pressure.
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I've always tried to keep things clean under the hood but since I "show" my Volt at car meets in order to educate people about EV and PEHV, I like to keep the powerplant bay extra clean and presentable. Fortunately this is a LOT easier with the Volt than it ever was with my Jeep 
I usually go over everything with a gentle spray (no high pressure streams) from a dial head nozzle set on "Shower" just to rinse off grit and pollen and whatever while using a sponge glove to wipe things down.
After that I dry things off with an electric leaf blower.
I've been experimenting with a lot of different things to "dress" the plastics and stuff under there, right now I'm trying out Meguiar's "Endurance" tire gel applied with a foamy sponge. I let it set for a while then wipe down with a paper towel and it seems to look good for a LONG time, including for several rinses after application.
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I usually go over everything with a gentle spray (no high pressure streams) from a dial head nozzle set on "Shower" just to rinse off grit and pollen and whatever while using a sponge glove to wipe things down.
After that I dry things off with an electric leaf blower.
I've been experimenting with a lot of different things to "dress" the plastics and stuff under there, right now I'm trying out Meguiar's "Endurance" tire gel applied with a foamy sponge. I let it set for a while then wipe down with a paper towel and it seems to look good for a LONG time, including for several rinses after application.
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If the range extending engine is whole (no oil leakage), the only need for cleaning is road grime (dried mud) and rubber particles (black dust). A regular garden hose and a low pressure nozzle will do with no need for harsh cleaners. All the electrical connectors are water resistant if they are sane and tight, especially on the orange HV cables. So there is no danger at all with sprayed water, even if the power is on. A wet sponge will help wipe off any stuck grime.
But if you do see engine oil stains and gunk, get the engine examined. Oil leak can harm electrical connectors.
But if you do see engine oil stains and gunk, get the engine examined. Oil leak can harm electrical connectors.
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Mine might get cleaned before I sell it. I opened the hood once at 10,000 miles to check the oil. It was fine.
The real question is why you would want to do this. If you are OCD I understand. Otherwise leave well enough alone. I've run engines over 250K miles without ever cleaning under the hood. As the engine ages, sometimes a little grime keeps things together. You go washing things with high pressure and you're bound to loosen something you didn't intend to. If you want to gently wipe down things you see, that's probably ok.
... how do you do the monthly coolant level checks?
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So I guess the lawyers don't drive in the rain.
I just popped the hood. The warning label regarding not spraying water on certain parts of the engine bay that I recall being there is no longer there. Maybe the warning label fell off or maybe it was removed during servicing (maybe it got washed off!)
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Not something I'd brag about.
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Go to the car wash:
Select engine de-grease and spray down the engine
Select soap and wash down the engine compartment
Select rinse and wash out the soap.
I do this every couple of months. I do this for the same reasons I wash the outside. removes dirt, grime and winter salt.
Select engine de-grease and spray down the engine
Select soap and wash down the engine compartment
Select rinse and wash out the soap.
I do this every couple of months. I do this for the same reasons I wash the outside. removes dirt, grime and winter salt.
About the only time I open the hood on my Volt is when I add windshield washer fluid. I don't regularly check the oil or the level of coolant in the 3 overflow tanks. If there was a coolant leak I assume I would see signs of this under the car. Each time I got to open the hood it takes me a minute or two until I find the yellow lever handle on the left side that releases the hood.
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I take the ELR to a detailer.
Seriously though. I used to do detailing for a used car place back in the time of the troglodytes. (I do not BELIEVE that troglodytes is in the iPhone dictionary!)
If it's really bad with oily goop, get a can of Gunk degreaser and follow the directions. I usually did this at the car wash so the shop didn't get dirty. The regular car wash wand is good for lighter dirt and oil. After that, go back to the shop and vacuum plus blow everything dry. Use some fine brushes (small paint brushes will work) to get any fine dirt loose and blow away the debris with compressed air. Then dress with appropriate products. Back then Armor All was new and we used that. All the chrome (if present) is last with a good chrome polish.
Make sure you protect the car's paint for all operations. Gunk is pretty harsh.
Seriously though. I used to do detailing for a used car place back in the time of the troglodytes. (I do not BELIEVE that troglodytes is in the iPhone dictionary!)
If it's really bad with oily goop, get a can of Gunk degreaser and follow the directions. I usually did this at the car wash so the shop didn't get dirty. The regular car wash wand is good for lighter dirt and oil. After that, go back to the shop and vacuum plus blow everything dry. Use some fine brushes (small paint brushes will work) to get any fine dirt loose and blow away the debris with compressed air. Then dress with appropriate products. Back then Armor All was new and we used that. All the chrome (if present) is last with a good chrome polish.
Make sure you protect the car's paint for all operations. Gunk is pretty harsh.
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