AutoCodes – Buick – P1BC1 Buick

P1BC1 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 74 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: P1BC1 Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 74 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 825

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 P1BC1 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 P1BC1 Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 74 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1BC1 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 74 Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1BC1 Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1BC1 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 P1BC1 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 P1BC1 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1BC1 mean on a Buick?

The code P1BC1 indicates a "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 74 Circuit Low Voltage," meaning the control module has detected a voltage issue in a specific battery circuit.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P1BC1 code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include an illuminated check engine light, reduced hybrid/electric system performance, limited acceleration, or the vehicle switching to gasoline power (if applicable).

3. What causes the P1BC1 code to appear in a Buick?

The most common causes include damaged wiring or connectors in the battery circuit, a faulty battery sensor, a weak or deteriorating hybrid/electric vehicle battery, or an issue with the battery control module.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1BC1 code active?

Driving with the P1BC1 code is not recommended as it may lead to reduced performance or further damage to the hybrid/electric system. Address the issue as soon as possible.

5. How do I diagnose the P1BC1 code on my Buick?

Diagnosis involves inspecting the battery wiring and connectors for damage, checking the battery sensor for proper function, and using a scan tool to monitor voltage levels in the affected circuit.

6. What repairs are needed to fix the P1BC1 code on a Buick?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing a faulty battery sensor, reprogramming the battery control module, or replacing the hybrid/electric battery if it is failing.

7. Is the P1BC1 code covered under warranty for Buick vehicles?

Warranty coverage depends on the age and mileage of your vehicle and the specific warranty terms for the hybrid/electric system. Check with your Buick dealership for details.

8. Can a low 12-volt battery cause the P1BC1 code in a Buick?

While the 12-volt battery is not directly related to the hybrid/electric battery circuit, a weak 12-volt battery could cause communication issues or trigger related codes.

9. How much does it cost to repair the P1BC1 code on a Buick?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue. Replacing wiring or sensors may cost a few hundred dollars, while replacing a hybrid/electric battery can cost several thousand dollars.

10. Do I need specialized tools to fix the P1BC1 code on my Buick?

Yes, diagnosing and repairing this code typically requires a professional scan tool and specialized knowledge of hybrid/electric vehicle systems. It is best to consult a certified technician.