Welcome back to Auto Scholar with Mr. B. Today, we have a 2011 Chevy Volt in for some service work, marking the first video of our Chevy Volt series here on Auto Scholar. This vehicle is a series hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with a larger battery capacity compared to other systems. The car had been inoperable for a long time, but I was able to diagnose and fix the issues, and I’m here to share the process with you.
This specific Chevy Volt had almost 275,000 miles on it and had been to different shops, including a GM dealership, without success in getting it running. After thorough testing, I found that the issue was with the 12-volt battery, a crucial component in hybrid and electric vehicles that controls the high voltage system. The AGM (absorbent glass mat) battery needed replacement due to its age, and this solved the initial problem. The key takeaway here is the importance of regular testing and replacement of the 12-volt battery in EVs and hybrids.
After replacing the battery, the car still had several codes and issues, including the inability to charge and start. Through extensive research and testing, I discovered hidden codes in the high voltage control module that needed to be manually deleted using a specific procedure with a professional scan tool. This finally brought the car back to life, and it has been running flawlessly since then.
For anyone facing similar issues with their hybrid or electric vehicles, it’s crucial to understand the intricacies of the high voltage systems and the significance of the 12-volt battery. Simple components like the 12-volt battery can have a significant impact on the entire vehicle, and by understanding and addressing these basic elements, complex issues can often be resolved.
I hope that sharing my experience with troubleshooting and fixing the Chevy Volt can be helpful to others dealing with similar challenges. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, and stay tuned for more insights and content on hybrid vehicles and high voltage diagnostics.
What kind of car is the 2011 Chevy Volt?
The 2011 Chevy Volt is a series hybrid, a plug-in hybrid with a larger battery than other hybrid vehicles.
What was the issue with the 2011 Chevy Volt when it was received?
The car was not running and had been to two different shops, including a dealership, but couldn’t get it running. It was found to have a bad 12-volt battery.
How was the issue with the 12-volt battery diagnosed and resolved?
After testing the 12-volt battery and finding it was almost dead, it was replaced with an AC Delco AGM battery. Additionally, special codes in the high voltage control module had to be deleted using a specific procedure on a scan tool to wake up the car and resolve the issues.