AutoCodes – Generic – P0B8C

P0B8C Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance

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: P0B8C indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance.
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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 1,552

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0B8C 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 P0B8C - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0B8C Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0B8C?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0B8C?

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 P0B8C 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.

Need more information about the P0B8C code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0B8C code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0B8C code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P0B8C Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance
P0B8C Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance
P0B8C Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance
P0B8C GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance
P0B8C Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 17 Circuit Performance

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 P0B8C Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0B8C mean?

P0B8C indicates a performance issue in the circuit for battery module 17 in a hybrid or electric vehicle, suggesting irregular voltage or current readings.

2. What are the symptoms of the P0B8C code?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, decreased battery performance, or limited power mode activation.

3. What causes the P0B8C code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty battery module, a damaged wiring harness, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning battery management system.

4. Can I drive my car with the P0B8C code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it may lead to further damage or reduced vehicle performance, especially in hybrid or electric vehicles.

5. How do technicians diagnose the P0B8C code?

Technicians use a scan tool to retrieve freeze frame data, inspect battery module 17 and its wiring, and test the battery management system for abnormalities.

6. What repairs are needed to fix the P0B8C code?

Repairs may involve replacing the faulty battery module, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the vehicle's battery management system.

7. How much does it cost to repair the P0B8C code?

Repair costs vary widely but can range from $300 to $1,500 or more, depending on whether the battery module or other components need replacement.

8. Can a weak 12-volt battery cause the P0B8C code?

While unlikely, issues with the 12-volt battery could indirectly affect the system. The main focus should be on the high-voltage battery and related circuits.

9. Is the P0B8C code specific to certain vehicles?

This code typically applies to hybrid and electric vehicles and may be more common in certain makes and models due to their battery system design.

10. Can I reset the P0B8C code without making repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the issue will likely return and could cause further damage.