AutoCodes – Buick – P1B5E Buick

P1B5E Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 41 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: P1B5E Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 41 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 797

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 P1B5E Buick 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 P1B5E Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 41 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1B5E Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 41 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B5E Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B5E 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 P1B5E 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.

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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 P1B5E Buick Code

What does OBDII code P1B5E mean for a Buick?

Code P1B5E indicates a "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 41 Circuit Low Voltage," meaning the vehicle's control module has detected an issue with the voltage in circuit 41 of the hybrid or electric vehicle battery.

What are the common symptoms of a P1B5E code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include reduced hybrid/electric performance, warning lights like the check engine or hybrid system light, and potentially limited driving range.

What causes the P1B5E code to appear in a Buick?

The code can be caused by a faulty battery cell, damaged wiring or connectors in the battery circuit, a malfunctioning battery management system, or issues with the hybrid system control module.

Can I drive my Buick with the P1B5E code active?

It is not recommended to drive with this code active, as it may lead to further damage to the battery system and reduce vehicle performance or safety.

How is the P1B5E code diagnosed in a Buick?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the battery circuit wiring and connectors, check the battery module for faults, and test the battery management system.

What repairs are commonly needed to fix the P1B5E code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, repairing or replacing the affected battery module, or reprogramming or replacing the battery management system.

How much does it cost to fix a P1B5E code in a Buick?

Repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $100â€“$500 for minor wiring repairs to $1,000 or more if a battery module or management system replacement is needed.

Can a low auxiliary battery cause the P1B5E code in a Buick?

While the code specifically relates to the hybrid battery circuit, a weak or failing auxiliary battery can contribute to or complicate hybrid system issues and should be tested.

Can I reset the P1B5E code myself?

You can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, but if the underlying issue is not resolved, the code will likely return. Itâ€™s best to address the root cause.

Is the P1B5E code common for all Buick hybrid or electric models?

The P1B5E code is specific to hybrid or electric vehicles, but its occurrence depends on the model, age, and condition of the vehicle's battery system.