AutoCodes – Generic – P1B61

P1B61 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 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: P1B61 indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 2,214

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
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1B61 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 P1B61 - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1B61 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B61?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B61?

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 P1B61 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 P1B61 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1B61 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1B61 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1B61 Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B61 Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B61 Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B61 GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage
P1B61 Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 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 P1B61 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1B61 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage)?

- Common symptoms include decreased fuel efficiency, reduced power output, and problems with the vehicle's hybrid or electric propulsion system.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1B61?

- Possible causes include a faulty battery, issues with the battery management system, damaged wiring or connectors related to the battery circuit, or problems with the hybrid control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1B61?

- Diagnosing this code requires using a diagnostic scan tool to retrieve the specific fault codes and performing a thorough inspection of the battery, wiring, connectors, and related components.

4. Can I drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1B61?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to further damage to the hybrid or electric propulsion system. It's best to address the issue promptly.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P1B61?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the hybrid or electric vehicle battery, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, resetting the battery management system, or reprogramming the hybrid control module.

6. Are there any DIY tips for addressing OBDII code P1B61?

- DIY tips include checking the battery connections for tightness, inspecting the battery for visible damage, and ensuring proper charging of the hybrid or electric vehicle battery.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P1B61?

- The cost of fixing this code can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue. It may range from a few hundred dollars for simple repairs to over a thousand dollars for battery replacement.

8. Can OBDII code P1B61 be a recurring issue?

- Yes, if the underlying cause of the low voltage condition is not addressed properly, OBDII code P1B61 can reoccur. It's important to diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent future occurrences.

9. Will OBDII code P1B61 cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, this code can lead to increased emissions and potentially cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test. It's crucial to address the issue to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.

10. How long does it take to fix OBDII code P1B61?

- The repair time for this code can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the availability of parts. It may take a few hours to a day or more to diagnose and repair the problem effectively.