2023 Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon Batteries Drained After Software Update
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General Motors unveiled the all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado and all-new 2023 GMC Canyon last year, pulling the sheets on a long list of updates, changes, and upgrades for the two midsize pickups. Critically, many 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon owners have complained on social media recently about an issue that causes the batteries in their pickups to lose charge. Now, GM Authority has investigated the issue – this is what we found.
Apparently, this new issue affecting the battery in the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon has only appeared in the past few days, including this past weekend. The root cause of the issue is believed to be a failed software update that leaves the infotainment system hanging, thus draining the battery until it’s dead. Both pickups are equipped with over-the-air software update capabilities.
GM Authority reached out to Chevrolet for an explanation. A GM spokesperson said that General Motors was looking into the issue, but did not provide any further details.
At this point, it’s unclear if this issue affects only some trim levels of the 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon, or all trim levels. It’s also unclear if the vehicle build date is a factor.
One social media user claiming to be a GM tech said that the issue is related to a radio software update failure that leaves the radio locked in recovery mode. This individual suggests going into the system settings, then the update preferences menu, and turning off both the “download updates in the background” and “download updates via Wi-Fi when available” options in order to prevent the radio software update from performing and, if it fails, draining the battery.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon represent the first model years for the latest third-generation of each respective pickup nameplate. Both pickups are also equipped with the GM Global B electronic architecture.
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My 23 z71 is totally shot. The dealer replaced my battery and got it to actually start again but my infotainment and dash are completely dead and they said they need to be replaced which could take up to two months to get parts. I’m FURIOUS. I put in a claim with gm customer service (who has been rather pleasant) so it documented but I need some answers and solutions very fast. I don’t want a brand new 50k dollar truck that has already had a serious enough problem for that big of a fix. I’ll gladly take any advice
Start by finding a new dealer that understands software and infotainment screens.
Good luck with that! Dealerships don’t hire engineers. This is the future.
2 month wait on parts is not unusual these days. See it all the time at our dealership. $100K trucks to $30k SUVs. It’s really bad when a HD dually goes down for months that’s in use commercially. Very hard to replace that kind of capability. Can’t rent one.
I hear you. It’s just hard to accept this large if repair with that wait time for a truck that I’ve had for 3 weeks with 829 miles. Still has the new car smell lol
Any info on the fix for running lights that stay on 2022 Silverado’s?? My trailer lights won’t shut off!!
Honestly doesn’t same like that “large of a repair” if they are simply swapping out the infotainment screens. YouTubers, The Fast Lane Truck, had their cluster go dark in their 2023 Colorado Trail Boss. They disconnected the battery, reconnected the battery, and the cluster came back to life. This happened to them around 2,000 miles.
A large repair would be a failed engine or transmission. Infotainment screen issues are pretty run of the mill these days for most brands.
My 2023 Colorado that I bought in June had an dead battery this morning. Now it has service engine light on now . The info system says it is in low power because the brakes are faulty . I think I got an computer update last night .
Demand a free loaner until yours is fixed.
Getting the infotainment replaced isn’t really a big deal. It has nothing to do with the powertrain. The fit and finish after replacement should be as good as factory. Sucks to be out a truck for two months, but I wouldn’t sweat it. It’s a brand new system GM will be using on all refreshed and new products. Probably a supplier build quality issue. In the end you’ll end up with a better product then you initially had (the replacement infotainment will most likely be from the redundant supplier that didn’t f#ck up the design).
Been in the industry (working in infotainment specifically) for 10 years.
Best of luck with your truck.
Hans
I wish I could get one without infotainment! I don’t need it or want it. I just need an am/fm radio, keep the rest.
AMEN brother, but they could throw in a cassette tape and CD player with that am/fm radio. Like the good ones that were built at Delco Radio in Kokomo, Indiana.
Yes sir, Kokomo is just up the road from me.
Yea bring back the 8 track Dinosaurs Dex
Where’s your silly ‘horse-n-buggy’ reference, Nick?
You can still buy Silverado’s with the basic info screen. Much smaller and the gauge cluster is all analog. Lot cheaper too. You can buy a basic trail boss 1500 which is still nice for low 50K range. Once you start piling on all the big computer screens the price will be 10K to 20K more.
NEVER BUY A FIRST YEAR GM TRUCK. They use first year buyers as test mules – have since 2007, and it takes at least a year to sort out the issues. 07 tahoe/silverado, 14 silverado, 15 tahoe, 19 silverado, 21 tahoe, 23 colorado – all of them have more issues
I owned a 14 SIlverado, 19 Silverado, and currently own a 23 Canyon and 21 Tahoe. I know from experience.
The 21 Tahoe has been pretty good except for the restraint device service alert. The 23 Canyon, twice the battery has drained due to the software update. It was parked in a parking garage at work. Never had the problem when it was parked in an open space.
Can they reflash it? Most radios on GMT900-2KXX are just a firware reflash to restore to factory settings via Tech2 and SPS. Would the next gen be really that complex?
I just went through the dead battery ordeal with a 2023 GMC Canyon which I have owned for three weeks. Not sure when the software updates were pushed out, reading several forums I noticed July 18th. I had driven about 5 hours yesterday so that might have bought me a day, however at 3:00 PM today 7/20, the battery was completely dead. I was able to call OnStar and have someone come and jump start it. When it first came up there was a message on the screen “Update failed, see dealer to restore system”. Then everything went dark, all dash and info screen. I let the truck run for 30 minutes, then took the risk to turn it off and restart which it did. This time the dash information came on, as well as, the check engine light. Just sitting still for a few minutes the info screen came on however only displaying date and time. I then disconnected the negative battery terminal waited about a minute then reconnected it. This time truck started, everything came back up, and check engine light was gone. I was then able to go into the info screen settings and turn off the auto update features. For the night I again disconnected the negative battery terminal, so nothing will go to the battery. I need to thank everyone on this forum, as everything I did was mentioned by someone, all I did was maybe string it all together. I hope this helps others easily solve the problem. Fingers crossed all works tomorrow morning. BTW I called my dealer service and they were clueless. I find it hard to believe they are not aware of these issues. Also, I live in Atlanta, big metro area and we have had heat and storm issues today, it took three hours for a tech to arrive after calling OnStar, my first ever call, one hour later than the time indicated by the service representative.
My new Canyon did the same thing on 7/20. Completely dead. I disconnected the ground wire for 5 min. Put the battery on a charger for 30 min. Started right up. Had to go to the dealership to clear the Engine light. Dealer had no idea what the problem was. Running great now. Good Luck!
Just had this happen to me this morning, I’m going to try this tonight when I get home from work. Hopefully with the same results.
GM has to get you the parts just call cust svc to escalate , same thing happened to a Fridge I bought new , electrolux overnighted the parts , they actually said the parts were on backorder and would be two months like I was going to say OK. thats not acceptable they have to escalate
I have a 2023 Colorado with a dead battery issue 2 times in the shop , they claim it was a modular issue I’m waiting on the paper work which seem strange normally they give to you apond picking your car up “strange” fingers crossed I like my truck. I’m keeping my hopes up, one more strike lemon law
My 2023 GMC Canyon At4 just had the battery drained. Hopefully software gets updated correctly. Going to the dealership now
My AT4 did the same thing Tuesday morning. I’m going to try the dealer tomorrow after I try disconnecting the negative terminal this afternoon.
Hello Kevin I have the same problem with my Colorado Trail Boss n they have told me the samething was wondering if you have heard anything on yours? My dealership said they did what GM told them to do and it fried a modular and that part may take weeks I say take a part that is suppose to go in one on the line and lets get the trucks back to the customers that already purchased one
You are not alone. My 23 Z71 did the exact same thing on 7/16/23, 3 days after I bought it. My truck has 130 miles on it and is sitting at the dealership in Pueblo, Co. I also have a claim in with GM customer service. Please let me know when yours gets resolved.
Kevin Have you gotten your truck back yet? MIne has same issue and dealership told me weeks not months I also have claim with GM customer service I’m just trying to see where other owners with the same problem are with the fix Thanks
This has happened twice to us on our 2021 Tahoe.
Happened once to my 2022 Tahoe!
My 22 Colorado won’t keep the EQ settings. I have to reset it every day. Dealer says there’s no fix for that. WTH?
😂😂 what?
My battery problem started yesterday, Battery was dead at work and dead again this morning.
Also. after jumping battery at work I now have 4 warnings on dash flashing for brakes and abs.
2023 GMC Canyon AT4. 800 miles
This happened to me this morning. I tried to drive it after I jumped the battery, but there are no brakes, I had to stand on them just to stop backing out of my driveway. Now I get to wait two hours for a tow truck. Its not safe to drive,
Yes, mine did the same, right after the jump start the brake were not working, After charging/running for 30 min I was able to shut off and restart. After that the brakes were working again. All my warning messages were gone but had a service engine light on he dash (OnStar Diagnostics said light was for “Service ABS System”). Dropped off at the Dealer today
So do I in my Colorado pissed
I work for GM / sold myself the 23 Canyon, I got the 1st one we got so 3,500 miles already ( long commute )
But same issue for me
Last Saturday it died, keys fob wouldn’t even unlock door/ Same Exact Thing Monday. Then Ran fine for 3 days then completely dead dead yesterday.
This Thread knows more than our service department unfortunately lol
Dead battery left my mom stranded in her 2022 Chevy Trailblazer as well after the heated seats were retro fitted and computer re flashed. seems like gm needs a better IT department
This is happening on 2022 and 2023 Silverado/Sierra too with the new radio/dash. There was a known software window on those where it would get stuck in an OTA and kill the truck.
I’m betting its a similar issue on Colorado/Canyon.
Also a problem with 2020-2023 C8’s.
I just checked mine and it said software was up to date. Truck was built in mid May. I did turn off the automatic update to be safe. My truck says the version I am running is from December 2022. Curious to see what everyone is is seeing?
All of this infotainment crap is designed to get GM a monthly stream of virus software cash. It’s coming!
Can I get a new WT without infotainment? My current Silverado has nothing but an am/fm radio, which is fine with me.
My 2023 Colorado trail boss was towed to the dealer yesterday for the dead issue with the electrical issue,waiting to see what they say.
My 2023 Colorado was towed today for dead battery but this is the 2nd time battery dead it was dead on Saturday also
Wow !! if that isn’t a racist comment I don’t know what is .
Racist comment? You think the Chinese aren’t actively hacking U.S. properties right now? (along with just about everyone else, along with U.S. citizens as well). So he picked the Chinese as an example to illustrate his comment…and that makes it a racist comment?
Anyways….he’s not wrong. It is, and will be a point of penetration that hackers will will 100% certainty attempt to exploit. Let’s hope it never get’s as bad as his example.
This happens on C8 Corvettes all the time. People put them on battery tenders when they apply updates. A software update bricked my 2021 Corvette (and several others on a Corvette forum) — requiring a tow from home and a two week service.
Sad to see GM continued to make the same mistake.
Scary stuff. Makes me reconsider a new GM product. I went through all the hassles of being one of the first when Ford switched to a new infotainment system in 2017 and I REALLY don’t want to go through that again. Seeing that ’21s-’23s are affected, I have to doubt GMs competence in this area.
For heaven’s sake GM better get on this issue quickly and rectify it before things get out of hand.
Relax !!!!
After all, it only took GM 3 years (after analysis by hundreds of their most CRACK engineers) to figure out the ENGINE CONTROL MODULE was hogging all the juice after the engine had stopped…. Solution? How about turning off or putting in standby the ECM when the driver has walked away from the vehicle !
Most Crack, or On Crack, these Geniuses eventually kinda figured it out.
My 2023 Caddy LYRIQ during a ‘mini-camping’ Sunday wouldn’t recharge the 12 volt battery even though the car was ‘ON’.
Solution? I opened and closed the driver’s door a few times, then turned the car on and off a few times – and finally got an ONSTAR email that my ’12 volt car battery was destroyed’. One more open/shut door, and turning the car on and off FINALLY made the ECM decide that:
“HUMMM – battery is at 10 1/2 volts…… Almost dead…. maybe I should start Charging the Battery?”.
With my normally 130 ampere load increasing to 153 – 165 amperes as the battery voltage decreased, the dc/dc converter put out AT LEAST 200 amperes since the inverter load continued at 130 amperes and the battery simultaneously recharged quickly. The glycol cooling came on since the converter was really WORKING.
So now I know what to do when camping….
Of course, cars from the past 90 years just had voltage regulators which charged the battery whenever the battery was a ‘bit low’ – not drastically low as here…. They didn’t have any basically Superfluous LOAD DETECTOR MODULES since monitoring the float voltage was good enough…
When I did some work in the past for the local telephone company, they had room full sized batteries ( made of 3800 ampere-hour lead acid cells), that had a final load monitor, but the battery chargers all worked independently and only monitored the float voltage to determine output current…. So even though the concept is ancient, it is still good enough for huge battery plants. Since it worked in the 1930s just fine, it is and still would work just fine in the 2020s…
I suspect GMs dopey software said that it “… doesn’t detect any accessories on (via the useless load monitor), so why should I charge the battery?…”
Well D U H !!!!! If the battery voltage is only 10 1/2 volts it might be a good idea this week to maybe charge it a little?
I’m speaking of course of the recent Chevy Silverado Battery Dead problem.
I don’t want my vehicle to be capable of over the air software updates for exactly this reason. Is there any way for owners to disable this “feature”?
After Ford finally woke up for the 2019 model year and figured out that vehicles need modems, all manufacturers have been adding – and touting- OTA software updates as a necessary feature, so I think you’re out of luck, unfortunately.
Very troubling problem for someone who may have waited a very long time for their ’23 Colorado or Canyon.
Has GM stopped the download?
Apparently not as this just happened to me. Truck sat in my garage for a week while I was away, and when I came home, key fob wouldn’t even work. Charging it now and will see what happens.
Same issue here last week. Brand new Colorado with 1975 miles on it. Battery dead in the morning. I jumped the truck at home and took to the dealer. They ran their tests and GM supposedly gave them the software fix. They called on Friday that is was all ready to go. I couldn’t pick it up Friday, so I went today (Monday) and low and behold, they couldn’t get it to start… because the battery was dead again…shocker. I’ll keep ya’ll posted on any updates.