2014 Chevy Volt, $3200 repair needed according to dealer

[space-time]

I bought this certified pre-owned for 18k about 3 years ago, 9500 miles at that time. Now I had 32k miles on it.

so far I did only 2 oil changes, and ABS wire was chewed up by a chipmunk, and I had the heat pump for cabin heat fail in the first year but that was covered by warranty. They said without warranty it would cost a little over $600.

Now the heat failed again, and it happened I got a flyer form them about all repairs come with 3 year/36k mile warranty and I was willing to pay $600-700 to het the heat fixed. I also inquired if I need a new 12V battery (AGM battery, placed in the trunk, not straightforward to exchange like in ICE cars).

Anyway, they called me back and I need $3221 in repairs (including tax). Some of the items they mentions are:

12V battery $364
Engine Coolant: $230
High Voltage battery coolant: $192
Heater Coil for the main battery: $1700
Air filter: $60
Coil for the steering wheel (it made a noise when I was turning left but not right): $358

So that is about $2900 and I think there is another item I forgot, total with tax would be $3221.

I am not sure if all these really need to be done, or if they are pushing unnecessary repairs.

I should probably look for a reputable intendent mechanic who can work on Chevy Volt but I don't know if they have the tools and knowledge to work on plug in hybrid cars.

Thoughts?

[Acer]

The only thing that a non-dealer might balk at would be the heater coil, naturally the most expensive thing. I have no idea how complicated that is with the main battery involved. Any chain or local mechanic can do the rest. Fluids and 12v battery can be done in your driveway for a fraction of the dealer dollar.

[mattkime]

I think you need to take this to a volt specific forum. They should be able to tell you what the concerns might be and the best way to approach them.

I don't think I'd pay a mechanic to change an air filter but thats just me.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....so are you now........re....volting.....???

[mikebw]

Bummer. Heater coil for main battery seems to me like should last more than 6 years. I suspect you could go without that if your climate is not too cold, but I am not an EV mechanic.

[Zoidberg]

suggestion: https://www.reddit.com/r/volt/ (9.3K members)

[graylocks]

there is a very helpful Volt tech in the Facebook Volt group. He works at a dealership in the Chicago Metro Area and he has been exceedingly helpful telling us when we're being ripped off and when things makes sense.

tag Jaryd Carvell in Chevy Volt Owners

The coolant system does need flushing but I don't believe it's required at the mileage you're at. check the owner's manual.

Chevy Volts do not ship with an air filter. If you have been fine without one don't bother. If you do want one it's brain dead easy to put in yourself. you access it through the glove compartment. One of my dealers tried to slip that past me a couple of times.

I replaced the AGM battery in my 2013 myself last year. They cost $150-$200.

I'd really be asking Jayrd about the necessity for the heater coil in the battery. i've not seen that come up before in the group. if i'm understanding you correctly you're still under 100K, right? Anything with the main battery should be covered with the Voltec warranty.

[graylocks]

Zoidberg wrote:
suggestion: https://www.reddit.com/r/volt/ (9.3K members)

i find the Facebook group much more helpful than the reddit group.

[btfc]

https://www.gm-volt.com/threads/chevy-vo...aq.279833/

[GGD]

I wonder how much of that is labor vs parts.

Battery looks doable, similar labor as my 2007 Prius 12V battery replacement. Wonder what the battery itself costs, for the Prius it was around $200.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXnsMzarqaM&feature=youtu.be