AutoCodes – Saturn – P1B96 Saturn

P1B96 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 60 Circuit Performance

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: P1B96 Saturn indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 60 Circuit Performance.
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 934

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 P1B96 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 P1B96 Saturn - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 60 Circuit Performance - AutoCodes.com — P1B96 Saturn Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 60 Circuit Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1B96 Saturn?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1B96 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 P1B96 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 P1B96 Saturn Code

What does the OBDII code P1B96 mean for a Saturn vehicle?

P1B96 indicates an issue with the performance of the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 60 Circuit, often related to voltage, resistance, or communication problems in the high-voltage battery system.

What are the common symptoms of code P1B96 in a Saturn?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, reduced fuel efficiency, limited electric drive capability, and possible warnings related to the hybrid or electric system.

What causes the P1B96 code to trigger in a Saturn?

Common causes include faulty wiring or connectors in the battery 60 circuit, degraded battery cells, a malfunctioning battery management system, or software issues in the hybrid control module.

Can you drive a Saturn with the P1B96 code active?

It is not recommended, as this code could indicate a serious issue with the hybrid or electric system that may lead to reduced performance or further damage if not addressed.

How is the P1B96 code diagnosed in a Saturn?

A technician will use a scan tool to read the code, inspect the battery circuit wiring, check for voltage or resistance irregularities, and test the battery management system functionality.

What repairs are commonly needed to resolve the P1B96 code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, repairing or replacing faulty battery cells, updating the control module software, or replacing the hybrid control module if necessary.

Can a dead or weak 12-volt battery trigger the P1B96 code?

While unlikely, a weak 12-volt battery can sometimes cause communication issues within the hybrid system, potentially contributing to related codes. It’s worth checking during diagnosis.

How much does it cost to fix the P1B96 code on a Saturn?

Repair costs can vary widely, from $100 for minor wiring fixes to over $1,000 if significant battery repairs or module replacements are needed.

Can a software update fix the P1B96 code?

In some cases, a software update to the hybrid or battery control module can resolve the issue if it’s caused by a programming error or outdated firmware.

Is the P1B96 code unique to Saturn hybrid or electric vehicles?

While the code is specific to hybrid and electric systems, it may appear on other GM vehicles using similar hybrid technology. Always consult your vehicle's manual for specifics.