AutoCodes – Saturn – P0B42 Saturn

P0B42 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 2 Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Hybrid/Electric Vehicle battery pack contains 288 cells. Common causes include Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Interface Control Module. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0B42 Saturn indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 2 Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Interface Control Module.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,032

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 07, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0B42 Saturn Description

The Hybrid/Electric Vehicle battery pack contains 288 cells. Groups of three cells are welded together in parallel. There are a total of 96 cell groups in the hybrid/EV battery pack assembly. These cell groups are electrically connected in-series. Each individual cell group is rated at 3.7 V, for a nominal system voltage of 355 V direct current. The battery cells are also grouped together into three sections. The first 90 cells/30 cell groups make up battery section one. This section is adjacent to the cowl and contains batteries 67 through to 96. Battery section two is located behind section one. It is made up of 72 cells/24 cell groups and contains batteries 43 through to 66. The transverse battery section is section number three, it is made up of the remaining 126 cells/42 cell groups and contains batteries 1 through to 42. The three battery sections are individually serviceable components.
The battery energy control module monitors the voltage of the 96 battery cell groups through the four hybrid/EV battery interface control modules. Voltage sense circuits are attached to each individual cell group, and these sense circuits terminate at a connector located on the top surface of the battery section. A serviceable auxiliary battery wiring harness joins this connector to a hybrid/EV battery interface control module, also located on the top surface of the battery section. The hybrid/EV battery interface control module encodes the voltage reading and transmits it to the battery energy control module through the battery control harness. There is one hybrid/EV battery interface control module located on battery sections one and two, and two hybrid/EV battery interface control modules associated with battery section three. The hybrid/EV battery interface control module, battery energy control module wiring harness, auxiliary battery wiring harness, and battery energy control module are all considered serviceable components.
The battery energy control module will determine when a fault condition is present. Diagnostics and system status are communicated from the battery energy control module to hybrid/EV powertrain control module 2 through serial data. The hybrid/EV powertrain control module 2 is the host controller for diagnostic trouble code information.

OBDII Code P0B42 Saturn - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 2 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0B42 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 2 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0B42 Saturn?

Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Pack
Faulty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery Interface Control Module

How to Fix the DTC P0B42 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0B42 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0B42 Saturn Code

What does the OBDII code P0B42 mean on a Saturn vehicle?

1. The P0B42 code indicates a "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 2 Circuit Low Voltage," meaning the vehicle's control module has detected low voltage in the battery 2 circuit of the hybrid or electric system. 2.

What are the common symptoms of the P0B42 code in a Saturn?

Symptoms may include reduced fuel efficiency, decreased hybrid or electric performance, warning lights on the dashboard, and potential limp mode activation. 3.

What causes the P0B42 code to appear on a Saturn hybrid or electric vehicle?

Potential causes include faulty battery cells, damaged wiring or connectors in the battery 2 circuit, a malfunctioning battery control module, or general wear and tear of the high-voltage battery system. 4.

Can I drive my Saturn with the P0B42 code active?

While the car may still be drivable, it is not recommended as the hybrid or electric system may not function properly, and continued use could cause further damage. 5.

How is the P0B42 code diagnosed?

A mechanic will use a diagnostic scanner to read the code, inspect the battery 2 circuit for damaged wiring or poor connections, and test the battery cells and control module for proper operation. 6.

What repairs are needed to fix the P0B42 code on a Saturn?

Repairs may include replacing faulty battery cells, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, updating or reprogramming the battery control module, or in severe cases, replacing the high-voltage battery pack. 7.

How much does it cost to fix the P0B42 code on a Saturn?

Repair costs depend on the underlying issue but can range from $100 for minor wiring repairs to several thousand dollars if the high-voltage battery needs replacement. 8.

Can a weak 12V battery trigger the P0B42 code on a Saturn hybrid?

While rare, a weak 12V battery can sometimes cause diagnostic inconsistencies, but the P0B42 code specifically relates to the high-voltage hybrid battery system. 9.

How can I prevent the P0B42 code from occurring again?

Regular maintenance of the hybrid or electric system, including inspecting the battery and its connections, and promptly addressing warning lights or performance issues, can help prevent this code. 10.

Is the P0B42 code covered under warranty for Saturn hybrid vehicles?

This depends on your vehicle's age, mileage, and the warranty terms. Hybrid battery systems often have longer warranties, so check with your dealership or owner's manual for specifics.