AutoCodes – Buick – P1B39 Buick

P1B39 Buick Code - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 6 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
P1B39 Buick indicates Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 6 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 1,281
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 12, 2020
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Code P1B39 Buick 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 P1B39 Buick - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 6 Performance - AutoCodes.com
P1B39 Buick Code - Battery Energy Control Module Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 6 Performance

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B39 Buick?

  • 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 P1B39 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 P1B39 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.

Need more information about the P1B39 Buick code?

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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 P1B39 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1B39 mean on a Buick?

P1B39 indicates an issue with the Battery Energy Control Module, specifically with Hybrid Battery Voltage Balance Processor 6, which suggests a performance fault in balancing the voltage of the hybrid battery cells.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P1B39 code?

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

3. What causes the P1B39 code to appear?

This code can be triggered by issues such as a faulty Battery Energy Control Module, damaged wiring or connectors, weak or imbalanced hybrid battery cells, or software glitches in the control module.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1B39 code active?

While it might be possible to drive, continued operation with this code can lead to further damage to the hybrid battery system and reduced performance. Prompt diagnosis and repair are recommended.

5. How is the P1B39 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, check the hybrid battery voltage readings, inspect wiring and connectors for damage, and test the performance of the Battery Energy Control Module.

6. What repairs might fix the P1B39 code?

Repairs could include replacing the Battery Energy Control Module, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, balancing or replacing hybrid battery cells, or reprogramming the module.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P1B39 code on a Buick?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the root cause, ranging from $200 for minor wiring repairs to $2,000 or more for hybrid battery replacement or module repairs.

8. Can a software update resolve the P1B39 code?

In some cases, a software update to the Battery Energy Control Module may resolve the issue if the problem is related to a programming glitch.

9. How can I prevent the P1B39 code from recurring?

Regular maintenance of the hybrid system, addressing battery issues promptly, and ensuring clean and secure connections can help prevent this code from reappearing.

10. Is the P1B39 code specific to Buick vehicles?

While P1B39 is commonly associated with Buick hybrid models, it may also appear in other GM vehicles with similar hybrid systems.

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