AutoCodes – Generic – P1B4C

P1B4C Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 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: P1B4C indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 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 1,690

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 09, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1B4C 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 P1B4C - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1B4C Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B4C?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B4C?

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 P1B4C 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

P1B4C Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B4C Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B4C Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B4C GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B4C Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 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 P1B4C Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1B4C (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage)?

- Common symptoms include reduced electric vehicle range, difficulty starting the vehicle, and warning lights on the dashboard related to the high-voltage battery system.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P1B4C to appear?

- This code is typically triggered by issues such as a weak or failing hybrid/electric vehicle battery, damaged battery wiring, or faulty battery control module.

3. How serious is the OBDII code P1B4C (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 35 Circuit Low Voltage)?

- This code indicates a low voltage condition in the high-voltage battery system, which can impact the performance and safety of the vehicle. It is important to address this issue promptly.

4. What are some DIY repair tips for OBDII code P1B4C?

- DIY repair options may be limited due to the high-voltage nature of the battery system. It is recommended to consult a qualified technician or an authorized service center for diagnosis and repair.

5. Can driving with the OBDII code P1B4C cause further damage to the vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with this code may lead to decreased battery performance, potential damage to other electrical components, and a higher risk of complete battery failure.

6. How can I prevent OBDII code P1B4C from appearing in the future?

- Regular maintenance of the high-voltage battery system, including checking the battery health, ensuring proper wiring connections, and addressing any warning signs promptly, can help prevent this code from reoccurring.

7. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P1B4C without addressing the underlying issue?

- Resetting the code without resolving the root cause can temporarily clear the warning light but will not fix the underlying problem. It is crucial to diagnose and address the issue to ensure proper vehicle operation.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1B4C?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the extent of the issue, the need for replacement parts, and the labor rates of the service provider. It is recommended to obtain a few quotes from different repair shops.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the occurrence of OBDII code P1B4C?

- Yes, extreme temperatures can impact the performance of the high-voltage battery system, potentially leading to voltage-related issues like the one indicated by this code. It is essential to monitor the battery in such conditions.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P1B4C?

- It is advisable to check with the vehicle manufacturer or authorized service centers for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to this specific OBDII code to stay informed about known issues and possible solutions.