Imagine you’re driving down the road and suddenly find the “Chevy Volt Propulsion Power is Reduced” message on your car’s dashboard. You will get flustered, right? Well, fortunately, you are not alone.
If, as a Chevrolet Volt owner, you’re experiencing the reduced propulsion power issue for the first time, don’t panic. In this guide, I’ll give detailed information on some of the reasons behind the appearance of this message on your vehicle’s screen.
I will also provide you with a number of solutions or fixes you can try to remove this message from your Chevy’s screen. So, fasten your seatbelt and keep reading if you don’t want to miss out on any of this information.
Why Does Chevy Volt Propulsion Power Reduced Message Display?
Plug-in hybrid cars like Chevrolet Volt use both electricity and gasoline as their power sources to run. So, it can be considered an extended-range electric car, and given its dependence on its battery pack, most issues arise in its battery section.
As it’s impossible to name all the problems that could cause your Chevy Volt’s propulsion power to decrease, I have identified only the ones that are frequently causing this message to flash on the screens.
Reason #1: Decreased Battery Pack Performance
If the high voltage cells in your car battery malfunction while driving, this could significantly decrease the propulsion power and system power of your car compared to normal levels.
As such, the battery does not provide its total amount of torque to the car’s wheel, causing its performance to deteriorate further.
Therefore, if your Chevy Volt’s propulsion power is reduced message is displayed, check that its battery pack has an adequate voltage and charge level.
Reason #2: Damaged AC/DC Converter
Chevy Volt’s propulsion power can be compromised if its AC/DC converter becomes defective. Your car’s converter regulates its propulsion output by converting Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) with the assistance of alternators.
An improperly functioning AC/DC converter will fail to supply the necessary voltage when faced with specific scenarios, for instance, supplying higher voltage at lower RPM, something that is optional.
On the other hand, this will lower voltage when revving up, creating issues when trying to accelerate your car as its power will decrease significantly.
Reason #3: Overheating Battery Packs
If you are aware of the impact of overheating on engines and electronics, you may already understand that overheating reduces performance.
Note: System off to save battery is one thing you should look out for to remain informed of battery or other such problems with your car.
When vital components in a working system overheat, thermal throttling occurs, which drastically decreases performance and limits functionality. So, if your Chevy Volt’s battery pack becomes overheated for any reason, its propulsion power may decrease significantly and reduce overall propulsion performance.
Reason #4: Clogged and Shorted Battery Cells
Any problem with the low-pressure fuel pump could result in your Chevy Volt’s high-voltage battery cells becoming clogged up, rendering them non-functional. In such cases, the gas tank may not receive sufficient gasoline, compromising car power.
Therefore, you need to check the fuel pump. If everything looks okay with that aspect of the car’s operation, the issue could lie solely with its battery; any issues affecting this may lead to reduced propulsion power for your engine and thus can reduce overall performance.
Your Chevy Volt’s propulsion power may be compromised due to shorted battery cells. When high-voltage cells become disconnected or shorted, this reduces the car’s propulsion power.
There can be issues with your high-pressure fuel pump as well. If this seems suspicious to you, have your car examined right away to make sure everything is in working order.
Reason #5: Faulty Alternators
Alternators provide a steady source of AC to recharge a vehicle’s battery – to maintain propulsion power. A failed alternator could potentially damage high-voltage cells and decrease propulsion power significantly.
Sometimes, alternators made by an unknown third-party supplier can be the source of problems as well. Due to improper wiring, the high voltage battery pack is damaged and, as a result, reduces smooth driving capabilities.
How To Fix Reduced Chevy Volt Propulsion Power
When experiencing issues with propulsion power, or when the Chevy Volt Propulsion Power is Reduced message is activated, you can fix the issue with the following solutions.
Fix #1: Recharge or Replace the Battery
Checking up on and charging the battery pack should be your first step to resolving the reduced propulsion power issue. Charging may resolve high-voltage cell issues and solve the issue altogether.
If the issue persists even after charging the battery, replacing it is the best solution to get rid of the propulsion power problem.
Fix #2: Replace the Cooling Fan
To keep the battery from overheating, consider upgrading its cooling fan with one that offers more airflow or replace any high-voltage cells that might be contributing to overheating.
Fix #3: Replace the Converters
If the accelerator power has decreased due to a defective AC/DC converter, you may wish to replace that, too. Otherwise, the problem will persist.
Fix #4: Replace the Fuel Pump
In case of clogged and shorted battery cells, check both low-pressure fuel pumps and high-pressure fuel pumps. If they are identified as the issue, either repair them or replace them altogether.
Fix #5: Rewire or Replace the Alternator
In some cases, faulty wiring can damage high-voltage cells and account for reduced propulsion power in a Chevy Volt. Rewiring or replacing alternators might help improve vehicle performance if your car does not run smoothly.
However, before rewiring an alternator, take great care in inspecting its wiring. Clean its terminals by taking precautionary steps such as unbolting them from your car’s body. Also, consider wiring an alternator with an external regulator. However, if it didn’t work as intended, replace the alternator.
Note: Check out this guide if you are interested in knowing how to turn off Stabilitrak.
Conclusion
This was all about the Chevy Volt Propulsion Power is reduced appearing on your car’s screen. In this guide, I have talked about the reasons why your car might display the reduced propulsion power message.
I have also explored the possible fixes that can help resolve the issue. Hopefully, you have an idea as to the possible sources and solutions to the problem. However, if complications persist, take your car back to its dealer and allow the experts to handle the problem.
