AutoCodes – Saturn – P1B61 Saturn

P1B61 Saturn 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 Saturn 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 925

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

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B61 Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B61 Saturn?

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 Saturn 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 Saturn Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1B61 mean on a Saturn vehicle?

P1B61 indicates a low voltage issue in the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 42 Circuit, which is part of the battery monitoring or control system.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1B61 in a Saturn?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced fuel economy, diminished hybrid system performance, or the vehicle entering a fail-safe or limp mode.

3. What causes the P1B61 code to appear in a Saturn?

This code can be triggered by a faulty battery sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, a failing hybrid battery cell, or issues with the battery management system.

4. Can I continue driving my Saturn with the P1B61 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the issue could lead to further damage to the hybrid system or reduced performance, so itâ€™s best to address the code promptly.

5. How is the P1B61 code diagnosed?

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

6. What repairs can fix the P1B61 code on a Saturn?

Potential repairs include replacing a faulty battery sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing a defective hybrid battery module, or reprogramming the battery management system.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P1B61 code in a Saturn?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $100 for minor wiring repairs to several thousand dollars for hybrid battery replacement.

8. Can a low 12-volt battery cause the P1B61 code?

No, this code specifically refers to a low voltage issue in the hybrid battery circuit, not the 12-volt auxiliary battery.

9. How can I prevent the P1B61 code from recurring in my Saturn?

Regular maintenance, ensuring battery connections are secure, and addressing hybrid system warnings promptly can help prevent this code from reappearing.

10. Is the P1B61 code covered under warranty for my Saturn hybrid?

If your vehicleâ€™s hybrid battery system is still under warranty, the repairs for this code may be covered. Check with your dealer for warranty details.