As a content creator for cardiagxpert.com and an experienced auto repair specialist, I understand the importance of evaluating the battery health when considering a used electric vehicle, especially a 2017 Chevy Bolt. The battery is the heart of an EV, and its condition significantly impacts the vehicle’s range and overall value. This guide provides a comprehensive approach to checking the battery health of a used 2017 Chevy Bolt, ensuring you make an informed purchase.
Verifying Battery Replacement History
Before diving into capacity estimations, it’s crucial to determine if the battery has been replaced under GM’s recall program. Here are a few methods to ascertain the battery replacement history of a 2017 Chevy Bolt:
1. GM Experience VIN Checker & EV Concierge
The most straightforward approach is to use the GM Experience VIN checker. Input the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for recall information. However, this tool may not explicitly state the battery replacement date.
For more detailed information, especially regarding battery replacement dates, contact the EV Concierge at 1-833-EVCHEVY. Provide the VIN, and they should be able to access records indicating if and when the battery was replaced.
2. Warranty Information
Check the “Bolt Battery Limited Part Warranty” section in the vehicle’s warranty documents. If the battery has been replaced, the mileage expiration should display a non-round number, and the date should be after 2027. This is a strong indicator of a battery replacement.
3. Physical Inspection of the Battery Pack Sticker
For a direct visual confirmation, you can inspect the sticker on the bottom of the battery pack. Locate the sticker by lying down next to the driver’s door with your head positioned just behind the door seam. A capacity greater than 60 kWh strongly suggests the battery has been replaced with a newer, higher capacity pack.
Estimating Battery Capacity and Health
While knowing if the battery was replaced is essential, understanding its current capacity and health is equally important. Here are several methods to estimate the battery’s state of health:
4. Dealership Diagnostic Check
The most reliable method for assessing battery health is a professional diagnostic check at a Chevrolet dealership. Dealership technicians possess specialized tools to evaluate the battery’s condition accurately.
Furthermore, if you are aiming for the used clean vehicle upfront tax credit, the dealership is required to provide a time-of-sale report that includes “capacity.” Crucially, “capacity” in this context should reflect the battery’s current energy holding capacity, not its original designed capacity.
5. OBD-II Reader and Torque App
For a more hands-on approach, you can use an OBD-II reader and a smartphone app like Torque to estimate battery capacity. This method requires a small investment in equipment but provides valuable insights into battery health and other vehicle parameters.
- Purchase an OBD-II Reader: OBD-II readers are readily available online. A reliable option can be found for under $30 USD, such as the one linked here.
- Download Torque App: Install the Torque app on your Android smartphone from the Google Play Store (Torque app link).
- Import Bolt PIDs: Download the Chevy Bolt specific PIDs (Parameter IDs) from allev.info/boltpids/ onto your smartphone. Torque now simplifies PID importing; you can usually select the CSV file directly from your downloads folder within the app.
- Add Capacity Widget: In Torque, add a widget to your dashboard for “!Battery – Pack – Capacity kWh estimated…”.
- Connect and Read: Plug the OBD-II reader into the OBD-II port located beneath the steering wheel. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone, connect to the OBD-II reader, and open your Torque dashboard. The app will communicate with the car and display the estimated battery capacity.
6. In-Car Range and Efficiency Estimation
If you prefer less technical methods, you can utilize the Chevy Bolt’s built-in displays to estimate battery capacity. This involves observing the range estimation and efficiency figures shown on the driver information console and the center infotainment console.
a. Driver Information Console Screen
The driver information console behind the steering wheel displays the estimated range and current charge level. While the charge level is shown in 5% increments, observing the range estimation when the car is purportedly fully charged can offer a quick capacity approximation. For the most accurate estimation using this method, ensure the car is charged to 100%.
b. Efficiency History Screen
The Efficiency History screen on the center infotainment console provides data on energy consumption over recent drives. Ideally, look for the “Efficiency History” screen. If you see the “Energy Detail: Since Last Full Charge” screen, divide the miles driven by the energy consumed to get the efficiency. Consistent efficiency bars across recent trips suggest a stable battery performance.
A view of the Efficiency History screen in a 2019 Chevy Bolt EV, displaying energy consumption data from recent trips, useful for estimating battery health by observing consistent efficiency levels.
c. Trip Info Screen
The Trip Info screen on the driver information console can also be helpful, particularly if it reflects a long trip. Similar to the Efficiency History, consistent efficiency over a significant distance can indicate good battery health.
The Trip Info screen on a Chevy Bolt, presenting trip details including mileage and efficiency, which aids in evaluating battery performance based on energy consumption over a specific journey.
To estimate usable capacity using in-car data:
- Observe the estimated range at a full charge (ideally 100%).
- Note the recent driving efficiency from the Efficiency History or Trip Info screen.
- Divide the estimated range by the efficiency (miles/kWh) to approximate the usable battery capacity in kWh.
For example, if the range estimation at 100% charge is 185 miles and the efficiency is 3.2 kWh/mile, the estimated usable capacity is approximately 57.8 kWh (185 miles / 3.2 miles/kWh).
Remember that range estimations are influenced by driving habits and environmental conditions. Test drives, especially aggressive ones, may show lower efficiency figures. Higher efficiency than average during your observation can be a positive sign for battery health.
If you are evaluating efficiency with a partially charged battery, for example, between 15% and 19% depletion as shown in the speedometer image, you can adjust your calculation. Estimate the full range by dividing the observed range by the current charge percentage and then multiplying by 100.
A detailed view of the Chevrolet Bolt EV’s speedometer and instrument panel, highlighting key automotive lighting and steering components, relevant to interior features and vehicle controls.
Keep in mind that all of these methods, including OBD-II readings, provide estimations. Battery capacity can fluctuate due to voltage variations and environmental factors.
7. VIN History Report
To gain a broader understanding of the vehicle’s history, consider running a VIN history report through services like vincheck.info. This report can reveal potential accidents or issues that might indirectly affect battery health or overall vehicle condition.
Conclusion
Checking the battery health of a used 2017 Chevy Bolt is crucial for a confident purchase. By combining methods like VIN checks, physical inspection, dealership diagnostics, OBD-II readers, and in-car estimations, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the battery’s condition. If purchasing from a Chevrolet dealership as a certified used vehicle, and if the estimated usable capacity is above 58 kWh for a roughly two-year-old battery (post-replacement), it likely represents a sound investment. Remember to consider driving efficiency as a major factor influencing range, as even a healthy battery can show reduced range with inefficient driving habits. Conduct thorough checks and consider these estimations as valuable data points in your decision-making process when buying a used 2017 Chevy Bolt.
