Check Engine light on at 500 miles? & Charging issues :-(

[Chevrolet Customer Svc]

@ kesnik,

We are very sorry to hear of the issues you are having so far. Could you please send me the last 8 of your VIN and the dealer you are working with to me in a PM? We would like to have our technical assistance team involved when you take it in for your appointment.

[DonC]

I think Henry is right about the cause of the problem. The Volt seems to be a little "touchy" about charging but better safe than sorry.

You can use a standard outlet to charge the Volt but that assumes a circuit which is in good shape. While you're waiting, see if you can find a different circuit or, better still, a dedicated circuit, and see if this helps.

[MichaelM]

I think Henry is right about the cause of the problem. The Volt seems to be a little "touchy" about charging but better safe than sorry.

You can use a standard outlet to charge the Volt but that assumes a circuit which is in good shape. While you're waiting, see if you can find a different circuit or, better still, a dedicated circuit, and see if this helps.

Same thing happened here the night I brought mine home. A shorter and higher-capacity extension cord made all the difference.

Household wiring, other loads, etc., are the wild cards.

[esap]

I picked up my Volt on Sunday 4/22/12 and 2 days ago the check engine light came on. The check engine light is on solid and not blinking. The Volt has about 500 miles on it now. If I'm not mistaken the owners manual says it a emmissions problem...

I am also having another (possibly related?) problem with charging my Volt.

I plug in the charger and wait for the lights to go green. I plug in the Volt and the dash indicator light goes green. After a while the dash light will flash orange and the Volt will stop charging. I’m not sure if this is a problem with the car or the charging unit. I called the Volt advisor and he said “as long as the lights are green on the charger it should be functioning” indicating the problem was with the car itself. Am I doing something wrong?

Thinking back, I’m not sure I have ever had a full charge on my Volt because it kicks off like this before it gets a full charge. I do use an extension cord but it’s a construction grade with 12 gauge wire. I have also tried charging in a different location and had the same problem. This alternate location is a different residence altogether and the plug situation is close enough so I don’t have to use the extension cord.

So needless to say I’m a little upset, I’m just hoping it’s not a major issue. Does anyone have insight into these problems?

-Kesnik

If it rained during charging event, it may be a water issue at the plug. This occurred with my car. Had to take it to dealer for diagnostics and reset.

[WVhybrid]

You have received good advice about the Check Engine Light (CEL). As soon as you notice a CEL, you should call OnStar and follow their advice. You can also post your codes on this thread and folks will help you interpret them. If the codes lead you to think it is a problem with the circuit voltage, you could try a different circuit, or try a circuit at your neighbor's house.

[Tumblebug]

The same light came on one of my Volts. I had driven the car for 2500 miles with no problems. However the person I asigned the car too had a Voltage problem. Then the voltage problem was solved the light when out.

[bjhorton2005]

Take it in, I had the same problem with my Volt. Apparently water gets in. Their solution was to put a lubricant on the seal of the charge door. I told them I don't think that will help at all, because obviously that's always open when I'm plugged in. I don't know, but it hasn't been happening again.

They also found a seat belt sensor off. So that could be it. The dealers are pretty good at getting down to the problem. Try to take it in soon though!

[kesnik]

@ kesnik,

We are very sorry to hear of the issues you are having so far. Could you please send me the last 8 of your VIN and the dealer you are working with to me in a PM? We would like to have our technical assistance team involved when you take it in for your appointment.

I already contacted the Volt Advisory Team...... I left my volt with the dealer today.

Paddock Chevy in Buffalo, Ny
CU115626

Thank You

[kesnik]

If it rained during charging event, it may be a water issue at the plug. This occurred with my car. Had to take it to dealer for diagnostics and reset.

You hit the nail on the head, It was raining in Buffalo the past couple days and i was attempting to charge in the rain and i guess there was a short at the charging port on the car. Dealer claims the parts are on the way.

I wonder how often this is going to happen to me as i don't have an indoor place to charge :-(

[Cord]

the one thing I did not see suggested or done in this thread is trying a 220 volt charger at a public charger. I would guess all Chevy volt dealers have one as well and guess it something your dealer will do now they have your car.