Last updated on July 13th, 2023 at 05:06 pm
Chevy Volt is a GM; its early models were reliable and had no recall. In as much, the later models became problematic to their owners due to several issues. Chevy Volt is a Hybrid vehicle associated with ongoing problems such as EVSE not working, faulty accelerator pedal, bearing failure,
failure to recognize the key fob, reduced propulsion power, and a few others.
Since it is a Hybrid, the most prevalent problem related to the ICE system is the reduced propulsion power.
It mainly occurs when switching from an electric motor to a gasoline engine. In such a way, the Chevy Volt will fail to shift to gas, leaving you stranded eventually, and you will have a depleted battery.
This major issue can worsen by faulty battery cells with high voltages, defective alternator systems, and decreased battery pack performance.
On the other hand, drivers traveling in mountainous terrain experience reduced propulsion power. This message comes when you are involved in mountainous driving before charging your vehicle.
It is also possible that this message will illuminate when you are aggressively driving in mountainous terrain.
This write-up will answer the following questions: What is the meaning of chevy volt propulsion power is reduced message? Why does my chevy volt say propulsion power is reduced? What is Chevy Volt reduced propulsion recall meaning? Does chevy volt have a recall? When did chevy volt reduce propulsion recall begin? What is the meaning of propulsion power? And More.
Be patient; let’s get started right away!
What Is The Meaning Of Chevy Volt Propulsion Power Is Reduced, Message?
The meaning of Chevy Volt propulsion power is reduced message is a sign that your battery is reporting less than 35kW instead of the normal 86kW of power.
The power reduction is due to the battery’s depletion.
The propulsion power reduced message can occur when driving in mountain terrain without using the Mountain Mode. As a result, it is a regular operation to protect your vehicle’s propulsion battery.
When this message appears, it doesn’t require you to take your car to your dealer. But you could if the news comes with a check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light).
Why Does My Chevy Volt Say Propulsion Power Is Reduced?
Suppose Chevy Volt says its Propulsion power is reduced. It is due to the following reasons.
Firstly, if your battery pack has to have less than 35kW, it produces less power than the vehicle system requires. To this end, it won’t have enough energy to send the traction motor to high acceleration.
Secondly, the message will occur if you drive on mountainous terrain without using the mountain mode.
Select mountain mode 20 to 25 minutes before you engage in mountainous terrain. Doing this would ensure that your vehicle’s performance is not affected.
What Is Chevy Volt Reduced Propulsion Recall Meaning?
The recall means that GM, manufacturers of the Chevy Volt, have told owners of Chevy Volts to send back their vehicles to them or the dealership because of the reduced propulsion issue.
The purpose of the recall is for GM to find solutions to avoid increased risks of vehicle crashes due to reduced propulsion.
For instance, some Volt owners received a software update in 2013 because of a program bug that affected the battery.
Does Chevy Volt Have A Recall?
Of course, yes, Chevy Volt has had a recall. It has also had several recalls in different model years due to various issues.
Without mixing words, GM has recalled over 70 000 Chevy Volts since the inception of the Hybrid vehicle.
However, the earlier models of Chevy Volts didn’t have a recall but a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to repair, replace, and reprogram any fault.
When Did Chevy Volt Reduced Propulsion Recall Begin?
The Chevy Volt reduced propulsion recall began on June 28, 2015. Then GM made Chevy Volt owners contact customer service or call them directly.
This contact with GM was to find solutions for their customers’ complaints about reduced propulsion power issues.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Chevy Volt?
A Chevy Volt has a life expectancy of about 200 000 to 300,000 miles.
Using your vehicle correctly would help you avoid experiencing immediate problems with your vehicle’s powertrain and other parts.
With a yearly average of about 15,000 miles and proper maintenance, your Hybrid may last for about 13 to 20 years.
GM guarantees that your Hybrid’s battery will last about 100,000 miles before losing 10 to 30 % of its capacity.
For your vehicle to last longer, GM had to dip the shell of the Volt in an anti-rust coating before the paint. The purpose is to keep your Hybrid rust-free for an extended period.
Check out tips to prolong the lifespan of your Chevy Volt below.
- Rotate your tires and perform the required services every 5000 miles.
- Install a new engine air cleaner filter every three years.
- Inspect spark plugs and spark plug wires for defection.
- Inspect the electric drive unit and evaporative control system every 35 000 miles.
- Repair any damage to your vehicle immediately. Waiting longer could complicate issue
Are There Any Recalls On 2014 Chevy Volt?
According to the NHTSA report, the 2014 Chevy Volt had no recalls.
However, this model year recorded an excellent reliability score, according to J.D., including other models of the Chevy Volts.
What Is The Meaning Of Propulsion Power?
Propulsion power means the total continuous power in kilowatts, which appears on a machinery certificate of registry.
On the other hand, it also means the full power of the vehicle created by the vehicle’s generator to propel the traction motor for better and continuous acceleration.
Although, the battery performance can influence the propulsion of a car, most especially the Chevy Volt.
Why Is My Chevy Volt Check Engine Light On?
If your check engine light comes on, your computer system (ECU) has inevitably detected some error codes.
These codes come as a result of some malfunctioning components. This warning light would also illuminate if a severe problem that can cause your engine to damage surfaces.
Depending on your Chevy Volts model, below are common reasons your check engine light would come on.
- Missing, Broken, Or Loose Gas Cap.
- Lousy Catalytic Converter.
- Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF).
- Defective Oxygen Sensor.
- Leaking Vacuum System.
- Problems With Aftermarket Accessories In Your Chevy Volts.
- Defective Spark Plugs.
- Low-Performance Battery Pack.
- Malfunctioning Ignition System.
- Transmission Issues.
- Emission Controls Issues.
- Computer Output Circuit Problems.
How Many Years Does A Chevy Volt Battery Last?
A Chevy Volt battery can last for about 6 to 10 years. The Chevy Volt is a Hybrid equipped with a hybrid voltage battery that lasts for a longer time.
You can’t compare them with the conventional gasoline battery that lasts about 3 to 5 years.
However, the longevity of your Chevy Volt or any vehicle battery depends on these factors.
- The range of the vehicle.
- The driving habit of the owner/driver
- They are charging habit.
- Vehicle accessories and system programs
- Extreme weather conditions for your environment
- Regular maintenance habit
Although Chevy Volt battery comes with a limited warranty of 8 years or at 100 000 miles, whichever comes first.
2016 Chevy Volt Propulsion Power Is Reduced?
However, the 2016 chevy Volt had issues with the propulsion power being reduced.
Irrespective of 115 problems, it recorded 33 on the power train. The major problem has been the power train issues that affected the vehicle due to the battery being prone to depletion.
Many complaints were recorded about the loss of power while driving or the loss of propulsion. Additionally, the failure of the battery energy control module was and is still the propelling factor to these problems.
The worst is that the vehicle would say “shift to the park” randomly, especially when parked. This shift to the parkalso prevented most drivers from powering off their cars.
Sometimes, drivers had to wiggle the shifter before it could detect it was in park mode.
Although, the 2016 Chevy Volt had several recalls, like the 2017 and 2019 model years.
2018 Chevy Volt Propulsion Power Is Reduced?
According to research and report, the 2018 Chevy Volt has had over 140 problems.
However, the power train with 42 records is the most common. The propulsion power is reduced persistent in the 2018 Chevy Volt due to voltage loss by the battery pack.
Over time, owners have complained that the 2018 models would enter into a reduced propulsion mode while you are driving. Thus, losing propulsion while driving was a severe safety problem and warranted recalls for a few numbers.
Chevy Volt Propulsion Power Is Reduced Message?
Chevy Volt propulsion is a reduced message, indicating that your vehicle’s engine cannot create sufficient power to propel your vehicle.
The message also suggests that it can’t reach a specific range due to some issues.
Although this message is so prevalent in Chevy Volt, the battery reserve is defective when it appears. To this end, it occurs when the battery is below or at -15 degrees, especially if you had left to plug it in winter.
Can Spark Plugs Cause Reduced Engine Power?
Yes, spark plugs can cause reduced engine power. However, the spark plugs are responsible for providing a quality spark for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the gasoline engine.
With the spark plug, proper combustion will be complete, and as a result, it will cause reduced engine power.
Good spark plugs are to last for a long time.
However, GM recommends replacing your spark plugs every 3000 to 7500 miles to avoid reduced engine power.
Conclusion.
Finally, a car’s propulsion power depends on how much energy is available to run the engine effectively.
It is the continuous power in kilowatts required to propel the wheels from the generator.
Suppose your vehicle says propulsion power reduced; then be sure that factors such as battery pack, alternator, spark plug, catalytic converter, and a few more are defective.
Ensure to repair and replace any faulty components that trigger the propulsion power reduced message on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Similarly, try to put on the mountainous mode when you take your Chevy Volt to mountainous terrain.
Considering the consistent problems of the Chevy Volt, GM has discontinued it.
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