AutoCodes – Buick – P1BBB Buick

P1BBB Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 72 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: P1BBB Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 72 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 846

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 P1BBB 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 P1BBB Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 72 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1BBB Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 72 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1BBB Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1BBB 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 P1BBB 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 P1BBB Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1BBB mean on a Buick?

P1BBB indicates a "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 72 Circuit Low Voltage," which refers to a voltage issue in one of the battery circuits in the hybrid or electric vehicle system.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P1BBB code?

Symptoms may include reduced fuel efficiency, limited power from the hybrid system, warning lights on the dashboard, or the vehicle entering a limp mode.

3. What causes the P1BBB code on a Buick?

The most common causes include a faulty battery cell, corroded or damaged wiring in the battery circuit, a malfunctioning battery control module, or low voltage in the hybrid battery pack.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1BBB code active?

While it may be possible to drive, it is not recommended as the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency may be significantly reduced, and further damage to the hybrid system could occur.

5. How do I diagnose the P1BBB code?

Diagnosis typically involves checking the battery voltage with a scan tool, inspecting wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, and testing the hybrid battery control module.

6. How is the P1BBB code fixed?

Repairs may involve replacing a damaged battery cell, repairing or replacing faulty wiring, cleaning corroded connectors, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

7. Does the P1BBB code mean my hybrid battery needs to be replaced?

Not necessarily. It could be a single faulty cell or a wiring issue rather than the entire battery pack. Proper diagnostics are essential to determine the exact cause.

8. Will clearing the P1BBB code solve the problem?

Clearing the code may temporarily remove the warning light, but it will not fix the underlying issue. The problem must be properly addressed to prevent the code from returning.

9. How much does it cost to repair a P1BBB code on a Buick?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the issue, ranging from a few hundred dollars for wiring repairs to several thousand dollars for hybrid battery replacement.

10. Can a dead 12V battery cause the P1BBB code?

No, the P1BBB code specifically relates to the hybrid battery system, not the 12V auxiliary battery, though a weak 12V battery can cause other electrical issues.