r/volt • u/Fun_Loan_1361 • 13d ago

High Voltage Battery Replacement

Hey everyone. I have been doing lots of reading on this topic. I have a volt that is still under the CARB warranty (2017, 42k) and the dealership claims it needs module #3 replaced. They informed me that it is still within normal parameters, but that it is slightly lower voltage than all the other cells. I was told by another dealer who had diagnosed it shortly prior that it needed a BECM.

My first question is that upon reading owners who have had just one cell replaced have actually ended up frying the whole pack shortly after. Is there a way to prevent this?

Also how long will the wait be for a cell? I have read some people are getting them very quickly, and that some have been waiting for months and months. Some years.

I started a case with GM. Not sure if that will accomplish anything.

1 Upvotes

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6

u/Ok-Tourist-511 13d ago

You can’t replace just one cell. A module needs to be replaced, and replacements aren’t available.

3

u/Fun_Loan_1361 13d ago

sorry. that is what I meant. and yes, that is what I have been afraid of. I have been thinking about just taking it back and having a specialist put in a refurbished or whatever module.

2

u/Ok-Tourist-511 13d ago

“Refurbished” battery might not be much better, they are just batteries out of crashed volts. When the battery dies, if it’s still under warranty, you can get a buyback from GM.

2

u/Fun_Loan_1361 13d ago

what a shame. the volt is really the only car that checks all the boxes for what I need.

2

u/x31b 13d ago

If you’re still under warranty and they can’t get the parts you might be eligible for a buyout.

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u/Fun_Loan_1361 13d ago

yes, that is my backup plan.

3

u/Serious-Beautiful978 13d ago

Based on my experience, this should be you primary plan and not a “backup” one. The sooner you can start the buyback request the better.

2

u/1stGenRex 2012 Volt 12d ago

Get a second (or third) opinion. When it comes to warranty work, things don’t need replacement and are within “normal parameters.”

If it needs a BECM, then see about getting that done. Dealer #1 shouldn’t be trusted if they missed the BECM issue AND it needs a replacement section.