AutoCodes – Saturn – P1B38 Saturn

P1B38 Saturn Code - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance

Quick Answer

The hybrid battery pack contains a total of 32 cell groups in the hybrid/EV battery pack assembly. Common causes include Faulty Battery Energy Control Module, Battery Energy Control Module harness is open or shorted, Battery Energy Control Module circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P1B38 Saturn indicates Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Battery Energy Control Module, Battery Energy Control Module harness is open or shorted, Battery Energy Control Module circuit poor electrical connection.
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 850

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 12, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1B38 Saturn Description

The hybrid battery pack contains a total of 32 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 118 V DC. The battery cells are grouped together into two sections, each with 16 cell groups.
The battery energy control module monitors the voltage of the 32 battery cell groups. A voltage sense circuit is attached to each individual cell group. Each of these circuits terminate at a connector located on the top surface of the battery section. A serviceable auxiliary battery wiring harness connectors the voltage sense circuits to the battery energy control module, located directly above the hybrid battery pack.
To ensure proper battery function and lengthen battery life, the battery energy control module balances the voltage of the cells so that each cells maintains the same voltage level. The battery energy control module uses internal voltage gates to transfer voltage from cells with a higher voltage level to those cells with a lower voltage level. To maintain a similar state of charge on the cell groups, the starter/generator control module monitors the cell voltages and determines which cells need energy removed in order to maintain the cells at a similar state of charge. A resistor wired in parallel with the cell and a transistor switch in series with the resistor internal to the battery energy control module. The starter/generator control module sends a command to the battery energy control module to begin cell balancing.

OBDII Code P1B38 Saturn - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1B38 Saturn Code - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B38 Saturn?

Faulty Battery Energy Control Module
Battery Energy Control Module harness is open or shorted
Battery Energy Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1B38 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 P1B38 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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Need Help with the Code?

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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 P1B38 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn related to the Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance?

The common symptoms include reduced hybrid system performance, poor fuel economy, and potential illumination of the check engine light.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn to be triggered?

The code P1B38 is typically triggered by a malfunction in the Battery Energy Control Module related to Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 performance.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn related to the Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 5 Performance issue?

Diagnosing this code usually involves conducting a thorough inspection of the hybrid battery system, checking for any loose connections, testing the voltage balance processor, and scanning for other related trouble codes.

4. Are there any repair tips for addressing the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn?

Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring or connections, resetting the battery management system, or replacing the Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor if necessary.

5. Can driving with the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn cause further damage to the vehicle?

Continued driving with the code P1B38 present may lead to decreased hybrid system efficiency, potential damage to the hybrid battery, and further deterioration of the vehicle's overall performance.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn?

The cost of repairing the code P1B38 can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the parts needed for replacement, and the labor rates of the repair facility. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different mechanics or dealerships.

7. Is it safe to continue driving the Saturn with the check engine light illuminated due to the OBDII code P1B38?

While the vehicle may still be operable with the check engine light on, it is recommended to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to the hybrid system.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code P1B38 issue in a Saturn at home?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can be performed at home, diagnosing and repairing the code P1B38 related to the Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor may require specialized tools and expertise, so it's advisable to seek professional help.

9. How long does it usually take to repair the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn?

The repair time for the code P1B38 can vary depending on the complexity of the issue, availability of parts, and the workload of the repair shop. It's best to consult with the technician to get an accurate estimate.

10. Will resetting the OBDII code P1B38 in a Saturn make it go away permanently?

Simply resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but if the underlying issue causing the code P1B38 is not addressed and repaired, the code is likely to reappear.