[crackers8199]

i went out to the garage tonight to try to run to the grocery store, and my volt won't turn on / move. when i open the door, the main battery indicates full (it has been plugged in since saturday evening, didn't use it at all yesterday or today), but when i press the power button i get a long "initializing" message and then "service battery charging system." the high voltage battery is grayed out, and it feels like i have no power steering.

any ideas what the likely culprit is here? of course this would happen when we're about to sell my wife's car in preparation for taking delivery of our new model 3 (which would leave the volt as our only car for the next week or so, which of course now won't run)....ugh.

edit: well, that was interesting. i was able to jump it using my wife's caliber (first time i've ever jumped the volt in the 5+ years i've owned it, so that was different). that led to a "service stabilitrak" message coming on the display, but all other messages clearing. i took it out around the block, and that cleared as well. called onstar, and they see no error codes. bizarre.

the only thing i've noticed is that bluetooth appeared to be turned off. i tried to call my wife on my way home and it said "bluetooth is off," and i noticed the icons are not showing on the display. i was able to make a call using onstar minutes.

 

[freshcut]

Sounds to me like signs of a failing 12V battery. If it's the original battery it might be a good idea to have it tested and likely replaced. In the meantime perhaps something as simple as disconnecting it for a few minutes and reconnecting it may be a short term fix if it's a computer issue. I however would put money on a failing 12V and seeing as it's potentially at least 5 years old if original, it's likely due to be replaced anyway.

 

[emartin00]

Yup, definitely a failing 12V battery. We have seen the same symptoms posted many times, and a new battery just about always fixes it.

 

[vogonpoetry]

If "jumping" it fixed it, its 100% the 12V battery.

 

[crackers8199]

Anyone have a ballpark on the cost to replace the 12v? I've been searching but haven't been able to find a consensus...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

[dannycamps]

The battery itself will run about $150-220 for an AGM 12v. As for install costs, perhaps try an auto parts stored where they'll install it for you if it's not something you can do yourself.

 

[jcanoe]

You can search for "12V AGM Group 47 battery" and find replacement 12V battery for your Volt. You can find this battery on ~zon Prime with free shipping for under $160 however if you have a problem with the battery returning it may be a hassle. For auto batteries I prefer to deal with a local supplier or the dealer. You may only need one replacement 12V battery for the entire time you own your Volt. Make it a hassle free transaction and have a local supplier that you trust supply a fresh replacement battery. A battery that has been sitting in a warehouse or a big box store shelf for 12 months is not a fresh battery. With conventional 12V lead acid batteries the battery can be shipped dry and the distributor or dealer would add the electrolyte and charge the battery just before it was ready to be sold. With sealed lead acid batteries, including AGM batteries, this is no longer an option.

 

[JuneBug]

Sam's Club has the Duracell AGM Automotive Battery - Group Size 47 for $134. I'm sure Costco has something similar:

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/auto-group-47-h5-agm-36-mo-free/prod9510084.ip?xid=plp_product_1_16

 

[crackers8199]

Sam's Club has the Duracell AGM Automotive Battery - Group Size 47 for $134. I'm sure Costco has something similar:

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/auto-group-47-h5-agm-36-mo-free/prod9510084.ip?xid=plp_product_1_16

you literally beat me to it, i was posting this link as you were posting this. is there any reason not to just go to sams and get this for $135-ish and have them install it vs $200+ who knows how much for install at the dealer?

 

[FI Spyder]

Sam's Club has the Duracell AGM Automotive Battery - Group Size 47 for $134. I'm sure Costco has something similar:

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/auto-group-47-h5-agm-36-mo-free/prod9510084.ip?xid=plp_product_1_16

I have looked in Costco battery book and they just have a dash next to battery for Volt, in other words not available. I don't now if this would be the same in the States.

 

[crackers8199]

I have looked in Costco battery book and they just have a dash next to battery for Volt, in other words not available. I don't now if this would be the same in the States.

their online battery finder also says they don't have a battery available for the volt. that's fine, as i can just get the one at sams club unless there's a reason not to...

 

[freshcut]

I don't see a reason why the battery from Sam's wouldn't be any different from getting it for $50 more from somewhere else. I'm not sure if they offer installation service, but it's definitely an option that would be local, and easy to deal with any sort of return/replacement that may be needed rather than having to deal with shipping should it be ordered and delivered from an online vendor.

 

[Steverino]

Our Newcomers forum has a bunch of FAQs. In the Battery section, there is one for replacing the 12V that has lots of details. https://gm-volt.com/forum/showthrea...y-Charging-amp-Battery-Managment-System-FAQ-s

 

[crackers8199]

has anyone ever had the battery replaced at sams? will they properly vent it and all that jazz?

 

[2VoltFamily]

has anyone ever had the battery replaced at sams? will they properly vent it and all that jazz?

Bought mine at Sam's. Replaced it myself. I would think they would do it properly and leave it open for you to inspect it before they replaced the cover.

 

[crackers8199]

Bought mine at Sam's. Replaced it myself. I would think they would do it properly and leave it open for you to inspect it before they replaced the cover.

my concern is that i wouldn't know what to look for. i've never replaced an AGM, that's why i was hoping to have them do it...but if i can't be 100% sure they'll do it right, i guess i'm stuck either doing it myself (which i'm trying to avoid based on not knowing what to look for) or going to the dealer.

 

[jcanoe]

If you have any doubt about the ability of Sam's Club employees to install the 12V AGM battery and you don't want to do this job yourself then let the dealer replace the battery. The price will be higher but you will be getting an OEM replacement battery with a warranty. If there are any issues with the replacement battery within the warranty period the dealer will be responsible.

 

[Cord]

there are a few you-tube videos or be sure to watch them take out the old one and note the over flow tube location
take a before picture when they open the flooring covering the battery.

odds are they have done very few Volts if any at all.

 

[jcanoe]

That is not an overflow tube connected to the 12V AGM battery. It is a vent tube for venting hydrogen and oxygen in the event of an overcharge condition that forces the pressure relief valve inside the AGM battery to open. In normal use this will never happen. An AGM battery will not leak acid electrolyte solution the way a conventional lead acid battery can leak.

While the AGM battery can be installed in any orientation, even upside down, there are precautions as with any car battery.

Don't drop the battery, you could break the bones in your foot and crack the battery case. Even if the case is cracked an AGM battery won't leak much fluid. Don't short the positive and negative terminals; the battery could explode. Be sure to correctly connect the positive terminal lead to the positive terminal and the negative terminal lead to the negative terminal. Be sure to secure the battery in place and tighten the terminal connections. If you use another brand of battery other than the OE Delco battery you may not be able to reconnect the vent tube.

 

[dannycamps]

Don't drop the battery, you could break the bones in your foot...

That is sound advice!