As Chevy Volt owners, we’re always looking for ways to understand our vehicle’s performance beyond the standard dashboard. After my 2012 Volt reached its third year and my OnStar subscription ended, I, like many others, sought a more hands-on approach to vehicle diagnostics. This led me to the world of OBD2 apps and dongles, a potentially powerful tool for Volt enthusiasts. My journey started with a simple, affordable Bluetooth OBD2 dongle from Amazon and two popular apps: MyGreenVolt and Torque Pro. Here’s my experience and what I learned about finding the best OBD2 app for a Chevy Volt.
Initially, I was primarily interested in monitoring battery health, specifically the Raw and Usable State Of Charge (SOC). Both MyGreenVolt and Torque Pro promised to deliver these readings, and upon setup, they did. Interestingly, both apps provided identical figures for the Raw SOC. However, I noticed a consistent difference in the Usable SOC readings. Torque Pro typically displayed a value that was about 3-4 points higher than MyGreenVolt. For example, on my first connection, MyGreenVolt read 87.1/100, while Torque Pro showed 87.1/104.9. This initial foray was promising, offering a glimpse into the detailed battery data accessible through the OBD2 port.
However, my positive experimentation took an unexpected turn. One day, while driving with the OBD2 dongle plugged in and an Android app running, I encountered a series of disconcerting vehicle messages. First, the “Service Stabilitrac Soon” warning flashed briefly on the driver’s display, accompanied by a fleeting Check Engine light. This occurred again at my next stop, this time followed by a brief Power Steering warning. The situation escalated further when, upon leaving the subsequent stop, the Stabilitrac message reappeared along with other warnings. Suddenly, and alarmingly, my Chevy Volt switched from electric to gas mode, despite having around 38 miles of EV range remaining. The “Propulsion Power Reduced” message illuminated, and intermittent chimes sounded.
Driving cautiously homeward, the situation worsened. The display changed to “Engine Not Available, Service Soon,” which understandably raised concerns about a complete loss of power. Fearing the worst, I pulled into a grocery store parking lot. Using Torque Pro, I quickly retrieved a list of fault codes – eleven in total. I then turned off the car and took a break inside the store, hoping for some respite. After about ten minutes, I returned to my Volt. To my relief, the car started, hesitated momentarily, initially attempted to start in gas mode, but then switched back to the battery icon. I was able to drive home on battery power without any further warnings.
The next day, I decided to drive without the OBD2 dongle connected. While there were no new vehicle messages, the Check Engine light remained illuminated. However, after a visit to the library and returning to my car, the Check Engine light had mysteriously turned off. Upon returning home, I cautiously reconnected the OBD2 dongle and checked Torque Pro again. This time, it displayed only four or five fault codes. Research suggested these were generic codes often associated with the more serious codes that had disappeared after the car reset itself at the grocery store. After a week passed with no Check Engine Light reappearing, I used Torque Pro to clear these remaining codes. Since then, I have not experienced any similar issues.
This experience highlights both the potential benefits and risks of using OBD2 apps with a Chevy Volt. While apps like MyGreenVolt and Torque Pro can provide valuable insights into your Volt’s battery and system performance, it’s crucial to be aware of potential conflicts or unintended consequences. It’s possible that the dongle or app, in my case, triggered some system glitches.
So, what does this mean for finding the best OBD2 app for your Chevy Volt? Here are some key takeaways and recommendations:
- Compatibility is Key: Ensure the OBD2 app and dongle you choose are explicitly compatible with the Chevy Volt. Check forums and reviews from other Volt owners to confirm compatibility and identify any known issues.
- Start with Reputable Apps: MyGreenVolt and Torque Pro are popular choices, but there are other OBD2 apps available. Look for apps with good reviews, active developer support, and features relevant to electric vehicles, like battery monitoring.
- Monitor System Behavior: After connecting an OBD2 dongle and app, pay close attention to your Chevy Volt’s behavior. Watch for any unusual warning lights, messages, or performance changes, as I experienced.
- Understand the Risks: Be aware that using OBD2 devices can sometimes interfere with vehicle systems, potentially triggering errors or unexpected behavior. While my experience resolved itself, it underscores the importance of caution.
- Focus on Informational Use: Use OBD2 apps primarily for monitoring and diagnostics, rather than attempting to make any drastic changes to vehicle settings, especially if you are not an expert.
While my experience had its stressful moments, it also provided valuable learning. OBD2 apps can indeed be useful tools for Chevy Volt owners seeking deeper insights into their vehicle’s operation. The “Best Obd2 App For Chevy Volt” ultimately depends on your individual needs and comfort level. It’s about finding a balance between the data you desire and the potential risks involved. Proceed with caution, research thoroughly, and always prioritize the safe and reliable operation of your Chevy Volt.
