AutoCodes – Generic – P1B46

P1B46 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 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: P1B46 indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 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 1,280

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 P1B46 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 P1B46 - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1B46 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B46?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B46?

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 P1B46 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

P1B46 Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B46 Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B46 Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B46 GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B46 Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 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 P1B46 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1B46 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 33 Circuit Low Voltage)?

- Common symptoms include poor hybrid system performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and possibly a check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1B46?

- The code P1B46 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty hybrid vehicle battery, damaged wiring in the circuit, or a failing battery management system.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1B46?

- Diagnosing the code P1B46 may require using a professional OBDII scanner to retrieve specific hybrid system data and performing a thorough inspection of the battery and related components.

4. Can I continue to drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1B46 present?

- It is not recommended to continue driving a vehicle with code P1B46 as it can lead to further damage to the hybrid system and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P1B46?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, inspecting and replacing the hybrid vehicle battery if necessary, and resetting the fault codes after repairs.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1B46?

- The cost of repairing code P1B46 can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the specific repairs needed, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to obtain quotes from different service providers.

7. Are there any DIY fixes for OBDII code P1B46?

- DIY fixes for code P1B46 may be limited due to the complexity of hybrid vehicle systems. It is recommended to seek professional help to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.

8. Can a weak hybrid vehicle battery cause OBDII code P1B46?

- Yes, a weak or failing hybrid vehicle battery can contribute to triggering code P1B46 due to low voltage issues in the circuit.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P1B46?

- The repair time for code P1B46 can vary depending on the specific issue, parts availability, and the expertise of the technician. It may take a few hours to a full day for diagnosis and repair.

10. Is it possible to prevent OBDII code P1B46 from occurring in the future?

- Regular maintenance of the hybrid vehicle system, including checking the battery health and monitoring voltage levels, can help prevent the recurrence of code P1B46.