Yes, the 2019 Chevy Bolt is OBD2 compliant. All vehicles sold in the United States after 1996 are required to be OBD2 compliant. This means that they have a standardized diagnostic port that can be used to access data about the vehicle’s engine and emissions systems. An OBD2 scanner can be used to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), which can help identify the cause of a problem with the vehicle. You can also use an OBD2 scanner to monitor various vehicle parameters, such as engine speed, coolant temperature, and fuel pressure.
While the Chevy Bolt is OBD2 compliant, it’s important to understand that the amount of data accessible through a standard OBD2 reader might be limited compared to manufacturer-specific tools. An OBD2 reader and accompanying app can provide insightful data not readily available on the car’s display. Parameters like “Usable SOC” (State of Charge) or “Usable kWh” can offer a deeper understanding of the battery’s condition. However, interpreting this data requires caution. For instance, some apps may display positive values for these parameters even after the battery is fully depleted and the car switches to gasoline power, leading to potential confusion without proper context or reference materials.
Furthermore, apps can show individual cell voltages in the battery pack, indicating the balance between cells and providing minimum, average, and maximum voltage readings. However, understanding the significance of large voltage differences, especially at low battery levels, and their impact on long-term battery health requires further research and knowledge beyond what typical apps provide. There’s a lack of readily available reference material explaining why these variations might occur as the battery ages and what constitutes a critical imbalance.
It’s crucial to remember that the Bolt’s battery isn’t merely a fuel tank; it’s a complex power generator with components that degrade over time. While the absence of cell variation Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) often indicates no significant variation when it critically affects performance, proactive monitoring and a deeper understanding of the data can provide valuable insights into the battery’s health.
