AutoCodes – Buick – P1BC8 Buick

P1BC8 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 76 Circuit High 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: P1BC8 Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 76 Circuit High 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 807

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 P1BC8 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 P1BC8 Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 76 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P1BC8 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 76 Circuit High Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1BC8 Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1BC8 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 P1BC8 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 P1BC8 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1BC8 mean on a Buick?

The P1BC8 code indicates a "Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 76 Circuit High Voltage" issue, meaning the voltage in a specific battery circuit is higher than expected.

2. What are the symptoms of code P1BC8 on a Buick?

Common symptoms include the check engine light turning on, reduced hybrid or electric vehicle performance, poor fuel efficiency, and possible inability to start the car.

3. What causes the P1BC8 code to appear on a Buick?

The code is typically caused by a faulty battery module, damaged wiring or connectors, a malfunctioning hybrid/EV battery control module, or an internal short in the battery pack.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1BC8 code?

Driving with the P1BC8 code is not recommended, as it may lead to further damage to the hybrid/EV battery system and could leave you stranded if the system fails.

5. How is the P1BC8 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a diagnostic scanner to confirm the code, inspect wiring and connectors for damage, and test the hybrid/EV battery and control module for proper operation.

6. What repairs can fix the P1BC8 code on a Buick?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty battery module, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, reprogramming or replacing the hybrid/EV battery control module, or replacing the entire battery pack if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P1BC8 code on a Buick?

Repair costs vary widely depending on the issue but can range from a few hundred dollars for minor wiring repairs to several thousand dollars if the entire battery pack needs replacement.

8. Can the P1BC8 code be caused by software issues?

Yes, outdated or corrupted software in the hybrid/EV battery control module can sometimes trigger the code and may require reprogramming or an update.

9. How can I prevent the P1BC8 code from occurring?

Regular maintenance, inspecting the hybrid/EV battery system, and addressing warning signs promptly can help prevent this code from appearing.

10. Is the P1BC8 code covered under warranty for Buicks?

In many cases, hybrid/EV components are covered under a specific warranty period, so itâ€™s worth checking with your dealership to see if the repair is covered.