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GM To Update 2017 To 2019 Chevy Bolt EV Advanced Diagnostic Software

One of the fixes that GM implemented to address the Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUV‘s much-publicized battery fire recall was the addition of Advanced Diagnostics Software (ADS) in the vehicles. This software can detect potential issues with the battery pack before major problems can develop, helping to prevent future battery pack fires and other failures. GM has now started a Customer Satisfaction Program to install a newer version of the ADS in 2017, 2018 and 2019 model-year Chevy Bolt EV models, which it says offers several enhancements and improvements.

The problem: the new ADS will address customer complaints of difficulty connecting the vehicle to a charger or charging station (2019 model year only). It will also reduce false diagnostic activation in certain vehicles under certain driving conditions and help prevent diagnostic data loss compared to the previous software version.

The hazards: this software offers operational improvements and data storing improvements. The first version of this software is required to help detect battery pack problems, which can prevent battery pack fires and other faults.

The fix: dealer technicians will be instructed to install the new ADS in affected vehicles. These updates will be installed at cost to the vehicle owner.

Affected components: ADS, Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2.

Affected vehicles:

  • 2017-2019 Chevy Bolt EV

Number of affected vehicles: all 2017 to 2019 model year Chevy Bolt EV vehicles that received the initial ADS update following the battery fire recall will need to have this update installed as well. It’s unclear how many vehicles this entails.

Owners should: GM will notify owners of affected vehicles and instruct them to make an appointment with their dealer. Owners can also reach out to GM or NHTSA with further questions or concerns using the contact information included below.

Contacts:

  • GM Customer Satisfaction Program number: N222369400
  • Chevrolet Customer Service: 1-800-222-1020
  • NHTSA Toll Free: 1-888-327-4236
  • NHTSA (TTY): 1-800-424-9153

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Sam loves to write and has a passion for auto racing, karting and performance driving of all types.

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Comments

  1. call Hollywood, maybe they solve this and the rocket… kkkkk. or take an easier millennium falcon to ride the stars. kkk

    Reply
    1. I would just like to point out that whatever you’re trying to say, it doesn’t really seem to translate.

      Reply
  2. I hope this is a typo:

    “These updates will be installed at cost to the vehicle owner.”

    Reply
    1. Hope so too. Maybe Sam McEacherm or GM Authority will reply.

      Reply
    2. It is no cost. I had it done on Friday at Dublin chevrolet to fix the chargeport lockout issue

      Reply
    3. Yes, it was a typo…I just got mine done this morning,. In and out in 30 minutes. Total on Invoice: 0.00

      Reply
  3. Where did GM make this announcement? I can’t see it on their site.

    Reply
  4. Lucky it was a slow seller gm had to lose 30 large on each car

    Reply
    1. The Bolt EV sales are through the roof and ready to set a new record this year.

      Reply
      1. I just bought an EUV. It’s fantastic!

        Reply
        1. Everything’s wonderful when new. Update us skeptics in a year or two.

          Reply
          1. Don’t need to update you. Just go on you tube and find the people who still have 2017,18,19,20 Bolts without having any issues or battery degradation.

            Reply
            1. Love my 2019 Bolt premier. It’s by far the best car I’ve ever owned. The fact that it costs less than 3 cents a mile doesn’t hurt either. I will never own another ICE again.

              Reply
          2. We have a 2017 and a 2020 and they are great, there is no way we are going back to a guzzler.

            Reply
          3. I have a 2017 bolt with 49k miles and it’s been no issues so far. Got the battery replaced in a few days, and dealership took care of everything and gave me a rental.

            No headaches whatsoever about the car. Would buy again.

            Reply
  5. I think he meant to say ‘These updates will be installed at NO* cost to the owner’

    Reply
  6. I started seeing the ADS software recall notice on my account on the Chevy Owner’s web portal last Friday and then a few days later it started being indicated in-car within the MyChevrolet icon in CarPlay. My Bolt is a 2017.

    The detailed notes are congruent with what this article says. Basically the most annoying issue is the Bolt may refuse to stay connected to some public chargers. There is also the vague reference about “certain driving situations” apparently triggering the ADS – to do what, they don’t elaborate.

    I typically don’t use public chargers, so haven’t experienced the issue. I have not seen driving issues.

    Interestingly, about a month ago I received a text message from OnStar that my battery (already replaced) required service within seven days. I checked with my scan tool which indicated the hybrid power train module 2 was reporting the positive side of the main contactor was stuck shut. I took the Bolt to a dealer who replaced the contactor and tested the battery plus updated some firmware. The repair was free because it was covered by the extended warranty provided with the replacement battery.

    Reply
    1. What exact specific scan tool are you using please?

      Reply
      1. Arnie
        Google OBD2 scan tools and you can look at the offering and decide which one to get. There are plenty out there. Good luck.

        Reply
    2. We have no problem with most Public fast chargers. That said every time we try EVgo the charger either won’t initiate or starts up after calling support only to shut off minutes later.

      Reply
  7. I have a 2019 Bolt. On two separate occasions it refused to charge at several different fast chargers. Once I had to drive downhill for 15 miles to a dealership, where their slower/newer charger seemed to work. The other time I had to pay a $700 tow bill. I was furious. The dealership where I bought it did nothing. I got a note about this recall and took it in a week or two ago. I had to pay for the Lyft from/to the dealership ($50 total). Since I’ve picked it up, I’ve fast-charged it twice, and both times it seemed to be slower than usual (e.g., 30 KW instead of 45), despite doing it at the same chargers as before (two different ones, both very new). So I am suspecting that in addition to diagnostics, they have crippled the fast charger. But I am going to try a few more times. Would be interested in others’ experience.

    Reply
  8. File a complaint with BBB. It’s in your GM handbook.

    Reply
  9. Don’t you have AAA roadside assistance? Best thing to have. Worth every dollar. Look it up. I’ve been a member here in Quebec for over 40 years. I have saved a lot of money with them. You can even get help buying a car through them. They offer all kinds of help.
    As for your dealership don’t you have any friends that could have taken you? Not satisfied, go to another dealer and complain to GM head office. Also, don’t fast charge, its not good for the battery. Charge 20% to 80%. I also don’t think that the dealer crippled the fast charger. What would be the advantage for them? Find yourself a charger that works consistently and stick with it.

    Reply

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