AutoCodes – Buick – P1B1C Buick

P1B1C Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 29 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: P1B1C Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 29 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.

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Code Popularity 829

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 P1B1C Buick 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 P1B1C Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 29 Circuit Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1B1C Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 29 Circuit Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B1C Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B1C Buick?

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 P1B1C Buick 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 P1B1C Buick Code

What does the OBDII code P1B1C mean for a Buick?

The P1B1C code indicates an issue with the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 29 Circuit Performance, typically related to voltage or communication irregularities in the battery system.

What are the common symptoms of the P1B1C code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced hybrid system performance, poor fuel efficiency, or limited electric-only driving capability.

What causes the P1B1C code to appear in a Buick hybrid or electric vehicle?

Common causes include a faulty battery module, corrosion or damage in the battery circuit wiring, a bad battery control module, or poor connections in the harness.

Can I continue driving my Buick with the P1B1C code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, continued operation could cause further damage to the hybrid battery system. Itâ€™s best to address the issue promptly.

How is the P1B1C code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to retrieve the code, inspect the battery circuit and wiring for damage, check voltage levels, and test the battery control module for proper operation.

What repairs are required to fix the P1B1C code?

Repairs may involve replacing a damaged battery module, repairing or replacing faulty wiring or connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

Can a low 12-volt battery cause the P1B1C code in a Buick?

While unlikely, a low 12-volt battery can sometimes contribute to diagnostic errors or communication faults. Itâ€™s worth ensuring the 12-volt battery is fully charged.

How much does it cost to repair a P1B1C code on a Buick?

Repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $100 for minor wiring repairs to over $1,000 for hybrid battery module replacement. A proper diagnosis is essential.

Is the P1B1C code specific to Buick hybrid models?

Yes, the P1B1C code is specific to hybrid or electric Buick models and relates directly to the vehicleâ€™s hybrid battery system.

Can I clear the P1B1C code without fixing the issue?

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