[aarons978]

Hey All,

Just wanted to post here and update it when the failure is identified. This is my second visit to the dealership after buying a "Demo" 2017 with 3k miles on it November 18th (now with 5k). First visit was for a bad bearing in the passenger strut mount that caused the coil spring to bind and release with a "twang" after the wheels were static for a couple minutes, took 2 weeks.

This time though I noticed what I thought was the engine oil leaking (threads about that on here) but when i smelled and dabbed the oil I figured out pretty quickly the trany was leaking! I guess in the volts case, it is actually the chain driven cvt instead of a conventional trans? In any event I am having it towed to the dealer and will update what they find. I did notice a slight audible crunch/clunk when putting it into drive now, that I didn't before, and when accelerating...like gears that were meshing back together after slightly separating...or a chain...

-aaron

 

[Arcanox]

Hey All,

Just wanted to post here and update it when the failure is identified. This is my second visit to the dealership after buying a "Demo" 2017 with 3k miles on it November 18th (now with 5k). First visit was for a bad bearing in the passenger strut mount that caused the coil spring to bind and release with a "twang" after the wheels were static for a couple minutes, took 2 weeks.

This time though I noticed what I thought was the engine oil leaking (threads about that on here) but when i smelled and dabbed the oil I figured out pretty quickly the trany was leaking! I guess in the volts case, it is actually the chain driven cvt instead of a conventional trans? In any event I am having it towed to the dealer and will update what they find. I did notice a slight audible crunch/clunk when putting it into drive now, that I didn't before, and when accelerating...like gears that were meshing back together after slightly separating...or a chain...

-aaron

Chain-driven, yes, "CVT", not quite. There's actually no variable ratio adjustment; just two electric motors in a planetary configuration.

Either way, those sounds are not normal, as I'm sure you figured! I hope there was no damage to the transmission...you'd think a bad transmission seal would have shown up on their routine inspection (I assume you bought it "GM certified" if it was from a dealer?).

You're not the first person to be having issues with your used Gen 2 though...mine had very low tires, fouled spark plugs, and open recalls (as well as a faulty battery pack, probably due to a manufacturing defect) when I bought it at 550 miles. Seems like dealers aren't taking care of these cars like they should be.

 

[AtomicPowered]

Since I have owned some vehicles for 20+ years I can say there will be leaks. Gen2 does not allow easily checking transmission fluid level. There is a fill plug but no instructions for the owner on how to use it. The plug opens up to a deep well with a little fluid at the bottom. There is evidently a drain plug and an overflow/sight plug but instructions for these are not in the owners manual.

Somebody could maybe sell a dipstick conversion for this?

 

[aarons978]

***UPDATE***
The dealer told me today that it was the "thermal block" that was the source of the leaking transmission fluid and parts are on order. I am going to do some digging, first time I have heard of this part.

 

[aarons978]

***RESOLUTION***

I got the car back today. The dealer replaced the "transmission fluid cooler bypass valve" to fix the leaking. According to the shop notes "air deflector, front compartment splash guard, and left front wheelhouse were soaked in fluid". I also had them update the care with campaign 16055 for the reduction in power recall.

Here are the part numbers involved.
23225400 - Valve 4.128
84134254 - Liner 8.153
23363169 - Shield 8.153
23298251 - Shield 8.153

 

[quirkySquirt]

Are you by chance a markdown enthusiast, aarons978? I ask because of your clearly labeled document. Thank you for documenting this fix! Hopefully, this is the last thing wrong with your Volt. Wishing you nothing but standard maintenance from here on out.