[JohnnyDoMore]

My new battery was installed last week -- good service, good loaner, quick response. Since I had recently charged the old battery, they had to wait a day to start the swap. I had to wait overnight for them to charge the new battery. Picked up the car and drove about 50 miles over two days and then a "High Voltage Charging System" message appeared along with a red warning indicator. Returned to the dealer and within 30 minutes the problem was fixed. A small air bubble in the battery cooling system caused the error message. The car was "burped" and I was on my way. A lot of people will need to learn the process to get 140,000 car batteries converted!

 

[wonderbolt]

good to hear, glad that you are on the flip side of this and can get back to just enjoying your Bolt...

 

[Sean Nelson]

My new battery was installed last week -- good service, good loaner, quick response. ... then a "High Voltage Charging System" ... small air bubble in the battery cooling system caused the error message.

I'm glad it all worked out for you, but I think that a proper cooling system refill in the first place would have been even better service.

 

[Packard V8]

I'm glad it all worked out for you, but I think that a proper cooling system refill in the first place would have been even better service.

Even the ICEs today have problems getting all the air out of the complicated routing of small pipes. The four-cam Ford mod motors are especially difficult to burp; it often takes driving, opening the valve at the top, driving, opening. The guess is on the assembly line they have some pressure/vacuum system to assist.

jack vines

 

[atc98092]

Even the ICEs today have problems getting all the air out of the complicated routing of small pipes. The four-cam Ford mod motors are especially difficult to burp; it often takes driving, opening the valve at the top, driving, opening. The guess is on the assembly line they have some pressure/vacuum system to assist.

jack vines

Oh, it goes far back. I can recall burping air out of systems in '60s cars. But absolutely, newer cars have really complicated cooling system routing, and getting that last bit of air out can really be a bugger.

 

[Passing Lane]

Oh, it goes far back. I can recall burping air out of systems in '60s cars. But absolutely, newer cars have really complicated cooling system routing, and getting that last bit of air out can really be a bugger.

I'm with you on that one. I always had to double check fluid levels after a change or drain and refill when replacing a thermostat or other interesting thing. It seemed like every vehicle I've owned needed a run, recheck and top up.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Even the ICEs today have problems getting all the air out of the complicated routing of small pipes. The four-cam Ford mod motors are especially difficult to burp; it often takes driving, opening the valve at the top, driving, opening. The guess is on the assembly line they have some pressure/vacuum system to assist.

jack vines

Properly servicing the cooling loop on the battery includes pulling a vacuum on the system to pull all the air out. Maybe it's not completely necessary but it's supposed to be done.

 

[Sean Nelson]

Even the ICEs today have problems getting all the air out of the complicated routing of small pipes. ... The guess is on the assembly line they have some pressure/vacuum system to assist.

If the dealers are expected to replace the batteries then they should have the equipment and skill to refill the battery cooling loop properly. "It's hard" is not an excuse for flubbing the job, IMHO. Hopefully there will be fewer of these kinds of problems as the service techs become familiar with the procedures. And it's nice to know that the car protects itself from these kinds of mistakes.

One good side effect of this should be that there are going to be a lot Bolt techs with at least some experience under their belts once this recall is done.

 

[Tranquility]

I am curious what is on the label of the new pack. Does it say 66kWh?

 

[GJETSON]

I am curious what is on the label of the new pack. Does it say 66kWh?

No. The "66 kWh" packs say 64 kWh. Our 2017 kWh "60 kWh" pack says 57 kWh. Because...marketing.

 

[Poggio]

@JohnnyDoMore

Good to hear. Do you have any observations to share regarding range, after the new battery install? Do you ever see 259 miles on the guess-o-meter?

 

[wonderbolt]

Properly servicing the cooling loop on the battery includes pulling a vacuum on the system to pull all the air out. Maybe it's not completely necessary but it's supposed to be done.

Once the dealership gets enough comebacks for error lights right after battery replacements for not doing it, they'll start doing it

 

[efbolt]

No. The "66 kWh" packs say 64 kWh. Our 2017 kWh "60 kWh" pack says 57 kWh. Because...marketing.

Yeah, I got the new pack and it says 64.

Once the dealership gets enough comebacks for error lights right after battery replacements for not doing it, they'll start doing it

I tried to warn my dealer about the coolant, but I got an error anyway. Said something along the lines of service high voltage charging system. Once that tripped I noticed that one of the reservoirs was low... couldn't see any coolant.

Took it back today and so far no more issues.

 

[ComputerDoc]

My new battery was installed last week -- good service, good loaner, quick response. Since I had recently charged the old battery, they had to wait a day to start the swap. I had to wait overnight for them to charge the new battery. Picked up the car and drove about 50 miles over two days and then a "High Voltage Charging System" message appeared along with a red warning indicator. Returned to the dealer and within 30 minutes the problem was fixed. A small air bubble in the battery cooling system caused the error message. The car was "bu!

BTW…good news:
Looks like when we get a new batteries they restart the FULL warranty on them.

This is from Chevy:
"General Motors warrants new or refurbished advanced propulsion batteries installed under this recall against defects in material or workmanship for the warranty coverage period of 8 Years/100,000 Miles (whichever comes first). GM will repair or replace the part, in its sole discretion, at no charge if the part fails due to a defect in material or workmanship during the warranty coverage period (Note: Labor is also covered if installed by a GM EV Dealer). This limited parts warranty begins at the time of installation."

 

[Duke Woolworth]

My new battery was installed last week -- good service, good loaner, quick response. Since I had recently charged the old battery, they had to wait a day to start the swap. I had to wait overnight for them to charge the new battery. Picked up the car and drove about 50 miles over two days and then a "High Voltage Charging System" message appeared along with a red warning indicator. Returned to the dealer and within 30 minutes the problem was fixed. A small air bubble in the battery cooling system caused the error message. The car was "burped" and I was on my way. A lot of people will need to learn the process to get 140,000 car batteries converted!

New battery installed, charged to 80%, GOM 265 miles. Full charge after getting home 323 miles, actually no better than old battery because I drive slow, gentle suburban roads, lots of regen, high 5 Miles/Kwh numbers. Have gotten as high as 352 miles on the old battery because of driving style. My wife more aggressive takeoffs, little coasting, topped out at 295 miles, same neighborhood. Sorry if you're the poor schmo behind me as I coast/idle to a stop, but I've always been a hypermiler. Great on tires and brakes, too. Your money. Waste it as you please.

 

[efbolt]

All you need is regen to save your brakes. I rarely use my brakes in normal driving. And regen doesn't inconvenience drivers behind you imo.