AutoCodes – GMC – P1B61 GMC

P1B61 GMC 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 GMC 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.

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Code Popularity 860

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B61 GMC?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B61 GMC?

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 GMC 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 P1B61 GMC Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1B61 GMC?

- Common symptoms include poor hybrid/electric vehicle performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential illumination of the hybrid system warning light.

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

- The code P1B61 GMC typically indicates a low voltage condition in the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 circuit. Possible causes may include a faulty battery pack, issues with battery cell voltage levels, or problems with the battery management system.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1B61 GMC?

- Diagnosis usually involves using a scan tool to read the code and then conducting further testing to determine the specific cause. This may include checking the battery voltage levels, inspecting the battery connections, and testing the battery pack components.

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

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code present, as it can affect the performance and efficiency of the hybrid/electric system. It is best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P1B61 GMC?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the battery pack, repairing any damaged wiring or connections, or recalibrating the battery management system. It is recommended to have a qualified technician address the issue to ensure proper repair.

6. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P1B61 GMC without addressing the underlying issue?

- While resetting the code may temporarily turn off the warning light, it is not a permanent solution. Ignoring the underlying issue can lead to further problems with the hybrid/electric system and may result in decreased vehicle performance.

7. How can I prevent OBDII code P1B61 GMC from recurring?

- Regular maintenance of the hybrid/electric vehicle system, including checking the battery pack health and monitoring voltage levels, can help prevent this code from recurring. It is also important to address any related issues promptly.

8. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering OBDII code P1B61 GMC?

- Yes, extreme temperatures can impact the performance and health of the hybrid/electric vehicle battery, potentially leading to a low voltage condition and triggering the code P1B61 GMC. It is important to monitor the battery in such conditions.

9. Will driving in electric mode only exacerbate OBDII code P1B61 GMC?

- Driving in electric mode only may not directly exacerbate the code P1B61 GMC, but it can put additional strain on the battery system. It is advisable to have a balanced use of both electric and hybrid modes to maintain battery health.

10. Is the OBDII code P1B61 GMC a common issue in hybrid/electric vehicles?

- While not extremely common, the OBDII code P1B61 GMC related to the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit Low Voltage can occur in hybrid/electric vehicles, especially as the vehicles age or if there are issues with the battery system.