The check engine light is on in my car and I'd like to know if there's a way to read the codes from the display. It's under warranty and I'll be scheduling a trip to the dealer to fix it. In the meantime, for curiosities sake, I'm interested in knowing why it came on all of a sudden (worked fine this morning, parked it, and then it came on when I left for lunch...weird).
SOLVED: Possible to read codes without code reader?
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The modules in the car have permanent codes and transient codes. (So some come and go.)
The module that stores the code is not integrated with the display except for the "dummy light" that signals to check for codes. Some older GM models had a function where the codes could be flashed out on the dash lights in a Morse code like method, but I haven't see a procedure like that for the Volt.
The module that stores the code is not integrated with the display except for the "dummy light" that signals to check for codes. Some older GM models had a function where the codes could be flashed out on the dash lights in a Morse code like method, but I haven't see a procedure like that for the Volt.
Just about any local auto parts store will also come out to your car, plug a reader in, and then provide you with the trouble codes for free. https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/storeservices
^ This could save you from paying the stealership for something easy.
^ This could save you from paying the stealership for something easy.
It's under the bumper to bumper warranty so I have nothing to lose. I'd take it to the auto parts store to have them read the codes but I figured it's not worth it since I will be taking it to the dealer anyway. Just thought if the car provided the ability to view them without a code reader I'd check it out.
Thanks for the information. However I do not have OnStar.
The code will still be there, it is now a "history" code.
If you press the OnStar button, they will offer you a free trial. Sign up for that, then they will transfer you to the department that will tell you the code. The dealer should have that code on your invoice for you.
Thank you Jay. Since it is under warranty I am having the dealer handle it. I was interested in the codes when the check engine light initially illuminated but more of a curiosity while I was waiting to take it in to the dealer. I'm still interested given the light is now out but will wait to hear what they have to say.
When the issue occurred the electrical drive appeared to be fine. I put it in Hold mode and the ICE began to cycle instead of remaining running. So I suspect it has something to do with the ICE engine.
I'll update this post once the dealer has identified the reasons (he said there were several codes set) for the light.
When the issue occurred the electrical drive appeared to be fine. I put it in Hold mode and the ICE began to cycle instead of remaining running. So I suspect it has something to do with the ICE engine.
I'll update this post once the dealer has identified the reasons (he said there were several codes set) for the light.
UPDATE: I wanted to circle back on this to provide a final resolution. The dealer diagnosed the issue as a faulty "Drive Motor Generator Power/Inverter Module" and therefore replaced it. There is a note on the repair order that this was done per SI#4229740 so this may be a known issue (I haven't read the SI details).
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