AutoCodes – Generic – P1BC4

P1BC4 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 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
P1BC4 indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 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 1,037
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 12, 2020
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Code P1BC4 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 P1BC4 - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P1BC4 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1BC4?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1BC4?

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 P1BC4 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.

Need more information about the P1BC4 code?

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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

  • P1BC4 Buick β€” Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1BC4 Cadillac β€” Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1BC4 Chevrolet β€” Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1BC4 GMC β€” Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage
  • P1BC4 Saturn β€” Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit Low Voltage
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 P1BC4 Code

What does OBDII code P1BC4 mean?

Code P1BC4 indicates a low voltage issue in the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 75 Circuit, which is part of the high-voltage battery monitoring system.

What are the common symptoms of code P1BC4?

Symptoms may include reduced vehicle performance, an illuminated check engine light, a hybrid system warning, or the vehicle failing to enter electric mode.

What causes the P1BC4 code to trigger?

Possible causes include a faulty battery module, damaged wiring or connectors in the battery circuit, a malfunctioning battery management system, or low voltage in the battery pack.

Can I drive with a P1BC4 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it can lead to further damage to the hybrid system and reduced vehicle performance.

How is the P1BC4 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the high-voltage battery and wiring for damage, and test the voltage and resistance in the affected circuit.

What repairs can fix the P1BC4 code?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty battery module, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming/updating the battery management system.

How much does it cost to fix code P1BC4?

Repair costs vary but typically range from $200 to $3,000, depending on whether wiring repairs or battery module replacements are needed.

Can a weak 12-volt battery cause the P1BC4 code?

While the 12-volt battery is not directly responsible for this code, it can affect the hybrid system's performance and should be checked as part of the diagnosis.

Is the P1BC4 code specific to a certain vehicle model?

No, P1BC4 is a generic OBDII code, but its application and repair steps may vary slightly between hybrid or electric vehicle manufacturers.

How can I prevent the P1BC4 code from recurring?

Regular maintenance, ensuring proper battery cooling, and inspecting the high-voltage battery system for wear or damage can help prevent this code.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1BC4 OBDII Code

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