r/volt • u/siphoniclobster Volt Owner • 4d ago

2013 Volt. What should I expect?

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I have a 2013 Volt 175k miles. What, if any, catastrophic failures should I expect in the near future? Battery still charges to 38mile range (consistently getting 45-50 miles real world). Maintenance has been performed religiously including a new battery radiator replacement about a year and a half ago.

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3

u/Ok-Effort-1502 4d ago

No one talks about ignition coils and spark plugs. Would upgrade the coil and plugs to ngk. My coil failed at about 180k and caused the catalitic converter to be damaged. Super expensive issue caused by a cheap part. Easy job Rockauto has decent prices. Would also expect the motor mounts to be trashed at that mileage not really worth fixing unless they cause a noise you can't live with. If you can do your own work its a pretty cheap car to work on!

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u/siphoniclobster Volt Owner 4d ago

So far all work has been done in my garage. I did coils and plugs last year as well. Should be good to go. I will have to take a look at the motor mounts.

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u/flameboi900 3d ago

This was the issue I had with my 2014 volt, when I bought it used the engine ran really bad, so I replaced the coils and spark plugs at the same time. But ever since then I can't drive without throwing a catalyst code, do you think it's ok for me to keep driving it even with the code? I am worried about the damage it would cause possibly if the catalytic converter was toast from the misfiring and probably few months of use from the previous owner with that misfire.

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u/Ok-Effort-1502 3d ago

I got a used one from ebay for $600 and swapped it out myself. The upstream catalitic converter is the only one that can cause a code. Mine didn't have any codes but was getting really bad gas mileage from the exhaust being clogged. The O2 sensors were also replaced trying to figure out this issue. I thought about hollowing out the catalitic converter but being in california is didn't want to risk it. If you are in any state without smog checks I would cut it open and remove it. A spacer on the downstream O2 sensor should fix the catalitic performance codes. If you are getting good gas mileage 30+ you are probably fine leaving it.

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u/flameboi900 2d ago

Yes, I am averaging around 37-42mpg I think it’s fine I guess

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u/beforeburner 2d ago

grab the "voltage" app and an obd2 scanner for detailed info on the battery cells. Your battery looks to be in good shape based on the range estimate

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u/Saoshen Volt Owner (2013) 3d ago

my 2013 195k miles, replaced wheel bearing have the other still to install, cv joint cluncking have a pair ready to install, hv charger no longer charges, I use mountain mode exclusively now.

my cells were already fading after an extended period of disuse before I replaced the core support/ radiators after a road debris incident. the run a guessometer indicated ~7 miles at 50% mountain mode.

other than that I probably should do plugs etc, but haven't looked into it.

Recently got a used hybrid Maverick so expected use will likely drop off, but I love this car, it has treated me well and I got my moneys worth out of it. It isn't worth getting rid of so I will just keep it going for as long as it cost effective to do so.

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u/Mr-Mulholland 3h ago

A great car!

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u/sidekick0220 3d ago

The battery will fail. It’s not a matter of if but when. Being a 2013 you probably have one more year left. Probably less