AutoCodes – Generic – P1B26

P1B26 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 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: P1B26 indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 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 1,319

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 P1B26 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 P1B26 - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1B26 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B26?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B26?

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 P1B26 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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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P1B26 Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B26 Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B26 Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B26 GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B26 Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 Circuit Low Voltage

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 P1B26 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1B26 mean?

The P1B26 code indicates that the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 32 circuit is experiencing low voltage, often related to a specific cell or module in the battery pack.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P1B26 code?

Symptoms may include reduced hybrid system performance, warning lights on the dashboard, decreased fuel efficiency, or the vehicle entering limp mode.

3. What causes the P1B26 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty battery cell, corroded or damaged wiring, poor electrical connections, or a malfunctioning battery control module.

4. Can I drive my car with a P1B26 code?

Driving with a P1B26 code is not recommended, as it can lead to further damage to the hybrid system and reduced performance.

5. How do I diagnose the P1B26 code?

Start by using an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, then inspect the battery pack, wiring, and connectors for damage or corrosion. Testing individual battery cells for voltage may also be necessary.

6. How is the P1B26 code typically fixed?

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

7. Can a weak 12-volt auxiliary battery cause the P1B26 code?

While the auxiliary battery is separate, a weak or failing 12-volt battery can sometimes affect the hybrid system and should be tested as part of the diagnosis.

8. What tools are needed to fix the P1B26 code?

You may need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to check voltage, and basic tools for accessing the battery pack and wiring.

9. How much does it cost to repair a P1B26 code?

Repair costs can vary widely, from $100 for minor wiring repairs to over $1,000 for replacing a battery module, depending on the vehicle and issue.

10. Is the P1B26 code specific to one car manufacturer?

No, the P1B26 code applies to various hybrid and electric vehicles, but the exact troubleshooting steps may differ depending on the vehicle make and model.