AutoCodes – Saturn – P0B79 Saturn

P0B79 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 13 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: P0B79 Saturn indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 13 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 894

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 08, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0B79 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 P0B79 Saturn - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 13 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0B79 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 13 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0B79 Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0B79 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 P0B79 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 P0B79 Saturn Code

What does the OBDII code P0B79 mean for a Saturn?

The P0B79 code indicates that the hybrid or electric vehicle battery 13 circuit is experiencing low voltage, which could affect the vehicle's performance.

What are the symptoms of the P0B79 code in a Saturn?

Symptoms may include the check engine light turning on, reduced fuel efficiency, decreased hybrid system performance, or limited electric driving range.

What causes the P0B79 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty battery module, damaged or corroded wiring in the circuit, a malfunctioning battery management system, or issues with the battery control module.

Can I continue driving my Saturn with the P0B79 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the code could lead to further damage to the hybrid system or reduced performance. Itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly.

How is the P0B79 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the battery pack and wiring for damage, and test the voltage levels in the affected circuit.

What repairs are needed to fix the P0B79 code?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty battery module, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

How much does it cost to fix the P0B79 code on a Saturn?

Repair costs vary based on the underlying issue but could range from $200 for wiring repairs to over $1,000 for battery module replacement.

Can a weak 12V auxiliary battery cause the P0B79 code?

While itâ€™s unlikely, a weak or failing auxiliary battery could contribute to electrical system issues and should be tested as part of the diagnostic process.

How can I prevent the P0B79 code from recurring?

Routine maintenance, such as inspecting the battery system, keeping connections clean and secure, and addressing warning lights promptly, can help prevent this code.

Is the P0B79 code covered under warranty?

It may be covered if your Saturn's hybrid/electric battery system is still under warranty. Check with your dealership for coverage details.