Chevy Volt Not Charging? What You Can Do About It

You may be wondering what is wrong with your Chevy volt not charging.

This can be confusing, especially if you never encountered this issue before. This is why there are those who are thinking whether they have done something wrong to it or not.

Now, when you have a bad Chevy volt, some symptoms may be present. For instance, it may take quite slow for your vehicle to start even after you have turned the key. The electronics may also be functioning perfectly well, and yet your vehicle is still not starting. 

If you experience these things, it is highly likely that you have a problem with your Chevy volt. Your battery may be failing, which is why it is good to consider getting a replacement sooner than later.

Let us look into this issue with the Chevy volt not charging and just what you can do about it. Here we go.

chevy volt not charging

Chevy Volt Not Charging

Now, if you are considering getting a new Chevy volt battery because your old one does not seem to be working fine, then you may be thinking if it is still under warranty. There are some instances why the battery is no longer under warranty such as the following reasons:

  • Your battery is connected to some non-OEM parts
  • There are cracks to your battery
  • Your battery has been recharged
  • There are physical damages to your volt battery prior to inspection

As for the price of the Chevy volt, this depends on whether you plan on installing it yourself or have an expert do it for you. Some people would rather have a specialist do the installation considering how tricky it is for those who have no experience. With this being said, you can expect to pay an add-on fee for the labor, which is about $20 to as much as $40 in some cases. 

But we recommend that you do it yourself when you are confident in performing this task. Otherwise, you are better off with having someone else take care of the battery replacement installation on your behalf.

Now, as we have mentioned earlier, there are some signs that your Chevy volt battery may be failing. This is why it is good to pay close attention to these symptoms to determine how much longer your battery is going to last. By doing so, you can be aware of when it would need a replacement.

But for the most part, you would need to have your volt battery tested every 3 to as much as 5 years. Have the voltage checked to make sure there is no extreme drop happening. Basically batteries can haul about 12 to 13 volts but this is with the exception of batteries that are high-performance by nature. When you have more than 13 volts, this may mean that your battery is damaged.

When properly maintained, your Chevy volt battery should last for up to 5 years. But there are several factors that impact its lifespan including:

  • Type of battery
  • Driving habits
  • Weather conditions

Nevertheless, you should be able to prolong your battery’s lifespan by doing these techniques:

  • Clean your battery terminals and posts to make sure there is no corrosion. Use the right wire brush and cleaning solution for this
  • Test your battery proactively
  • Start your engine regularly to let the battery charge 
  • Make sure you tightly fasten your battery since car vibrations tend to loosen all connections and rattle the components of your battery
  • Store your vehicle indoors to protect it from changes in climate and temperature

Does Your Car Need A New Battery?

chevy volt not charging

It is good to know whether your battery needs to be replaced. This way, you will not end up finding yourself stuck on the road because your battery just died completely.

There are some signs to look into when determining if a replacement battery is needed. For instance, you may notice the check engine light turning on more frequently than usual. This means that you are losing charge on your battery.

Additionally, corrosion and fluid leaks can shorten the life of your battery. This is why if this happens a lot, you may start thinking about getting a replacement for your battery.

Furthermore, a delayed engine crank is another symptom to pay close attention to. Perhaps you have been having some difficulties with starting your vehicle, which means your battery is getting weak and does not have the same amount of power it used to have.

It is also good to check your battery fluid level. When it is low, you need to have the battery checked to make sure it is still good to use for your intended travel. 

Now, when you notice that your battery light is on, it means that your alternator is not working quite well. Thus, your vehicle is relying solely on its battery and is not charging properly. This is why it is best to turn off all electronics and other components that use up your battery. It is particularly true when driving at night or when you still have a long way to go towards your destination. 

But sometimes, your battery light turns on because of some other issues such as overheating, serpentine belt damage and the water pump not working right. Thus, you may have to check which component is really responsible for the damage to avoid further issues.

Summary

A Chevy volt not charging can be worrisome, especially when you still have a far way to go to your destination. Hence, be sure to take note of symptoms linked with a failing battery and what you can do to get a replacement when need be. You may either have an expert install it for you or perhaps install the battery yourself, which can save you more money along the way.

Leave a Comment

Read more