Here is the latest info from Jaryd Carvell, EV tech. This is taken from the Facebook Bolt group. It was posted earlier today, Sunday, October 24th, 2021
Hi friendly neighborhood GM EV tech here! First I want to say I very much appreciate all the kind words on my last post trying to keep everyone updated about the recall, it means alot to know I've been able to help so many people! I've been getting alot of PMs since then and I certainly don't mean to discourage that here. I'm always glad to help out where and when I can, but there are quite a few common reoccuring questions so I thought it'd do an FAQ post. By all means please continue to feel free to comment or pm me anytime with any other questions and although it may be delayed a bit, I always try to respond. I get dozens of them everyday so sometimes they do get automatically sent to my spam pm folder when Facebook decides you're spam, so if I don't respond it means I somehow missed it and don't hesitate to send another pm or tag me.
1) How long have you been an EV tech?
- I've been a certified GM tech for 15 years, high voltage certified for 10 years, and a hybrid/ev specialist at my dealer for 10 years. I love EVs, I drive a volt, and I work on hundreds of Hybrids/EVs a year.
2) Is the dealer going to replace the whole battery or take apart my battery and replace the 5 battery sections/rows/modules? The letter I got and/or communications from GM have not been clear.
- As of right now we are going to replace the complete battery pack. GM sometimes refers to the complete assembly as a "battery module" which is causing some confusion. Adding to that confusion is the fact that GMs original plan was to try and develop a reliable way to detect the double defect cells and replace only bad sections. Using the term "replace battery modules" leaves the options open because this phrase is technically true weather they replace only the bad sections, all 5 sections, or the whole assembly. It is theoretically still possible that if they learn/develop a reliable way of detecting the double defect cells, after inspecting tens of thousands of returned packs, they could modify the recall to inspect and only replace bad modules. However now that LG has agreed to pay most of the cost of this recall I personally think that's pretty unlikely to happen, but of course anything is possible.
3) How do I get my new battery? Should I call my dealer?
- Every bolt is currently under one of two recalls, N212345940 (2020-2022) or N212343880 (2017-2019). Once vehicles are eligible for repair they will be migrated from N212343880 to N212343881 and from N212345940 to N212345941, and a letter will be sent to you from GM informing you that you're eligible for replacement. You can also check the my chevrolet app to see if your recall number (40 or 80) has updated/migrated to the new one (41 or 81). Once you get the letter or your recall number updates you can either call a dealer and make an appointment, or call the EV concierge and they can set it up for you. They can also tell you what dealers have been certified to perform this recall. Some dealers have call centers or other people not familiar with the specifics of this recall answering the phone. If you are getting information that seems wrong ask to speak to the service manager. They should know about this recall and the process.
4) Is there anything special I have to do before I drop my car off to have the recall performed?
- There's nothing that you HAVE to do, but there are two things that can help the tech and help speed up the repair. If the car is charged over 90% we have to depower it to below 90% before we can begin repairs which is a process that can take hours. Also we can't begin repairs until 24 hours after the last time it was charged, so if you took it off the charger 2 hours before you dropped it off, then we have to wait 22 hours before we can begin repairs. If you bring your bolt to the dealer with under 90% charge and 24 hours since it was last plugged in, it will be ready immediately for repairs.
5) I've heard horrible stories/had horrible service at dealers before and I'm nervous about who does this repair. Can you tell me where to go?
- Unfortunately I can't personally vouch for the level of morkmanship and/or customer service at other dealerships and I don't have any way to reliably find out for you. I can say that overall there are more satisfied dealership customers than there are dissatisfied ones, but bad experiences tend to get amplified on the internet and can make them seem like the majority when they are in fact the minority. Like any other large franchised business, there are some better ones and some worse ones. Your best bet is probably to ask around in the group for others who have had experiences with your local dealers. Generally speaking the more EVs they sell and service the better.
6) Where do you work? Can I bring my bolt to you?
- Of course you can! I work at a Chevrolet dealership in the chicagoland area and I'd love to pamper your bolt! I take alot of pride in my workmanship and customer service and can promise I will always be honest and as fair as possible. Feel free to pm me anytime and I can get you an appointment or answer any questions you may have.
7) I've heard there is a new software update as well, why do we need software if we're getting a new battery? Is this software going to detect if my battery is bad?
- This software hasn't been released yet so I don't know all the specifics on it yet. However this is what GM said on Sept 20th...
"Within approximately 60 days, GM will begin launching a new advanced diagnostic software package that will increase the available battery charging parameters over existing guidance.
The diagnostic software will be designed to detect specific abnormalities that might indicate a damaged battery in Bolt EVs and EUVs by: monitoring the battery performance; alerting customers of any anomalies; and prioritizing damaged battery modules for replacement. It is GM's intent that further diagnostic software will allow customers to return to a 100 percent state of charge once all diagnostic processes are complete."
8) Is it true the new batteries all have the upgraded chemistry and more range? Will there still be any charging or parking restrictions with the new battery?
- Yes all replacement battery packs will be N2.2 chemistry, 66kwh packs and have a new 8yr/100k limited battery warranty. I believe they said it is an 8% improvement in range on average compared to the N2.1 60kwh packs. No, there will be no charging or parking restrictions with the new batteries.
9) Will the new battery come with the new DCFC profile?
- Unfortunately that specific detail has not been given to us. All vehicles that currently have an N2.1 chemistry 60kwh pack will get new software to make the newer pack compatible. I would think this would most likely include the new charging profile but I can't confirm that for sure. There may be some other incompatibility or limiting factor we don't know about that prevents it.
10) When will it be my turn to get a battery? Who decides when it's my turn? If I come to you for my battery replacement can you get me pushed up the list?
- GM is in complete control of customer prioritization via the migrating of your vehicle from the current recall to the new recall. Prioritization is based on risk factor which is determined by build date, vehicle age & milage, charge/discharge patterns, and various other factors. The new advanced diagnostic software coming soon will also help with determining risk factor and prioritization. New batteries under this campaign are ordered by VIN and checked for eligibility by our system before the order is allowed. Dealers (or I) have no control over the prioritization.
11) How long is it going to take to replace the battery in every bolt and complete all recall repairs?
- Honestly, I just don't know. Realistically most of the higher risk ones will likely get done within months, the lower risk ones will obviously take longer. GM's official statement is "We will provide replacement battery modules to dealers as quickly as possible. We continue to work with our supplier to expedite capacity for battery modules
under this recall."
Well that's all I got for now folks. As always I'll try to respond as quickly as possible to any and all questions but can't always respond immediately