AutoCodesSaturn – P0BAC Saturn

P0BAC Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 23 Circuit High 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
P0BAC Saturn indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 23 Circuit High 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 1,009
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 08, 2020
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Code P0BAC 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 P0BAC Saturn - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 23 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0BAC Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 23 Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0BAC Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0BAC 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 P0BAC 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 P0BAC Saturn Code

What does the OBDII code P0BAC mean for a Saturn vehicle?

The P0BAC code indicates an issue with the high voltage circuit of Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 23, often related to a voltage imbalance or electrical fault.

What are the common symptoms of the P0BAC code in a Saturn?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced hybrid/electric vehicle performance, poor fuel efficiency, and potential charging system warnings.

What causes the P0BAC code to appear?

Common causes include a damaged battery module, corroded or loose electrical connections, a faulty battery control module, or wiring issues in the high voltage circuit.

Can I drive my Saturn with the P0BAC code active?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to further damage to the hybrid system and may reduce overall vehicle performance and safety.

How is the P0BAC code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to read the code, inspect the battery pack and connections, check for voltage imbalances, and perform continuity tests on the circuit.

What repairs typically fix the P0BAC code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged battery modules, repairing or replacing corroded connectors, fixing wiring faults, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

How much does it cost to fix the P0BAC code on a Saturn?

Repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $200 for minor wiring fixes to $2,000 or more for battery module replacement, depending on the specific issue.

Can a low 12-volt battery cause the P0BAC code?

While unlikely, a weak 12-volt battery may contribute to hybrid system errors. It’s best to test and ensure the 12-volt battery is functioning properly.

Is the P0BAC code specific to Saturn hybrid vehicles?

Yes, this code typically applies to hybrid or electric Saturn models equipped with high voltage battery systems.

Can I reset the P0BAC code without repairs?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying issue will likely result in the code returning, as the fault persists.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0BAC Saturn OBDII Code

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