[Volt fan]

After a stop while running errands I returned to my 2013 Volt put my foot on the brake, and pressed the power button and NOTHING HAPPENED. Then I got a screen on the dash (not the center screen) that said "Initializing" with a sort of stylized image of Saturn...it said wait to shift. I waited, then that screen went dark. Nothing. I repeated the above with the same result. When I pressed the little "leaf" button and selected "power flow" on the center screen the words "POWER OFF" were displayed. Like a fool I tried all the above steps time and again - still nothing (what's that they say about the definition of insanity...trying the same thing over again and expecting a different result).

Eventually I phoned the Chevrolet Customer Service number. I explained the situation. Then had to give them all my information including the VIN. I was then transferred to Technical Assistance and had to give THEM all the same information. Then I was transferred to Roadside Assistance and gave THEM all the same information. They said they would have to have the car towed to the dealer...and the tow couldn't arrive for 80 to 100 minutes. Great Help.

I walked away from the car and after a while my wife decided to try it again. She got in the car and, what do you know...it powered up as usual. By then the tow truck arrived. The driver said often the car will 're-boot' if you get out, lock it up and give it a few minutes. That certainly happened this time. Apparently Chevrolet's Customer Service doesn't know this. The driver also showed me the little key slot under the mat in the little compartment in the center of the dash and pointed out that you can start the car with your key.

Maybe this post will save someone from a very frustrating event should your car become unresponsive and show POWER OFF on the screen.

(I did search the forum for this problem but couldn't find any similar posts).

 

[jsmay311]

Glad you got it started before the tow.

I had a similar experience a couple years ago in my 2013 which I documented here: http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?152153-My-Volt-failed-to-start-tonight

Turning it off and walking away for a bit was what did the trick in my case too.

Some folks in my thread thought it was likely due to a bad 12V battery, but I haven't had an issues with that same battery in the 2 years since.

 

[Loboc]

There are multiple threads about similar behavior.

- car flakes out
- remove all fobs from the area (100' is mentioned. Faraday method is mentioned. )
- come back after a time (10 min? 15 min?)

My ELR did this once in my driveway. Never did it again, so, nothing to show the dealer.

 

[Dutch]

Interesting.
If it were me, I'd change out the 12v battery anyway (it's about due in a '13) and probably the batteries in the FOBs just to cover the bases.

 

[jsmay311]

come back after a time (10 min? 15 min?).

In my case it was only 30-60 seconds. Just long enough for the interior and exterior lights to turn off.

It was -10F at the time, so no way was I waiting 10-15 minutes outisde the car!

 

[Barry]

My 2013 did something like that once in 1.5 years of ownership. Also several smaller glitches, like no Nav, that were resolved with a restart. The car is very computer dependent. I just think of it like my PC. Sometimes it just needs a reboot. Some owners have advised disconnecting the 12 V battery to reboot and resolve certain stubborn glitches.

 

[fishhawk]

Interesting.
If it were me, I'd change out the 12v battery anyway (it's about due in a '13) and probably the batteries in the FOBs just to cover the bases.

At least have it tested. You'll have to take it out though, since places like Autozone and Advance Auto will not test the 12v battery if it's still installed in a hybrid, PHEV, or EV.

 

[fjdiazg]

After a stop while running errands I returned to my 2013 Volt put my foot on the brake, and pressed the power button and NOTHING HAPPENED. Then I got a screen on the dash (not the center screen) that said "Initializing" with a sort of stylized image of Saturn...it said wait to shift. I waited, then that screen went dark. Nothing. I repeated the above with the same result. When I pressed the little "leaf" button and selected "power flow" on the center screen the words "POWER OFF" were displayed. Like a fool I tried all the above steps time and again - still nothing (what's that they say about the definition of insanity...trying the same thing over again and expecting a different result).

Eventually I phoned the Chevrolet Customer Service number. I explained the situation. Then had to give them all my information including the VIN. I was then transferred to Technical Assistance and had to give THEM all the same information. Then I was transferred to Roadside Assistance and gave THEM all the same information. They said they would have to have the car towed to the dealer...and the tow couldn't arrive for 80 to 100 minutes. Great Help.

I walked away from the car and after a while my wife decided to try it again. She got in the car and, what do you know...it powered up as usual. By then the tow truck arrived. The driver said often the car will 're-boot' if you get out, lock it up and give it a few minutes. That certainly happened this time. Apparently Chevrolet's Customer Service doesn't know this. The driver also showed me the little key slot under the mat in the little compartment in the center of the dash and pointed out that you can start the car with your key.

Maybe this post will save someone from a very frustrating event should your car become unresponsive and show POWER OFF on the screen.

(I did search the forum for this problem but couldn't find any similar posts).

Sorry to hear about your issue, but this made me remember that joke about a Microsoft engineer travelling with his friends and had a problem on the road, he tells everyone: ok, let's close all windows, step out, close the doors and then try again.

I 'm in agreement that it may be the 12V battery (specially in cold weather).