AutoCodes – Generic – P1E51

P1E51 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit

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: P1E51 indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit.
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 2,623

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 Apr 23, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1E51 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 P1E51 - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1E51 Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E51?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1E51?

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 P1E51 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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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P1E51 Acura — Tandem Motor Cylinder Gearbox Mechanical Linkage Failure
P1E51 Buick — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit
P1E51 Cadillac — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit
P1E51 Chevrolet — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit
P1E51 GMC — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit
P1E51 Honda — Tandem Motor Cylinder Gearbox Mechanical Linkage Failure
P1E51 Saturn — Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit

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 P1E51 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1E51 (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit)?

- Common symptoms include illumination of the check engine light, reduced hybrid/electric vehicle performance, and potential issues with battery charging.

2. What are possible causes of OBDII code P1E51?

- Possible causes include a faulty battery pack, damaged wiring in the battery circuit, issues with battery temperature sensors, or problems with the battery management system.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P1E51?

- Diagnosis typically involves using a scan tool to retrieve the code, inspecting the battery pack and circuitry for visible damage, testing the battery temperature sensors, and checking the battery management system for faults.

4. Can I still drive my hybrid/electric vehicle with OBDII code P1E51?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can indicate potential issues with the battery system that may lead to further damage or safety concerns.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P1E51?

- Repair options may include replacing the faulty battery pack, repairing damaged wiring, replacing battery temperature sensors, or recalibrating the battery management system. It is recommended to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

6. Are there any safety precautions to consider when dealing with OBDII code P1E51?

- Safety precautions may include disconnecting the high-voltage system, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and following manufacturer guidelines for handling hybrid/electric vehicle components.

7. Can OBDII code P1E51 be a false alarm?

- While false alarms are possible, it is important not to ignore this code, as it indicates a potential issue with the hybrid/electric vehicle battery system that requires attention to prevent further damage.

8. How do I prevent OBDII code P1E51 from recurring?

- Regular maintenance of the hybrid/electric vehicle battery system, including checking for loose connections, monitoring battery health, and following manufacturer recommendations, can help prevent this code from recurring.

9. Is it safe to attempt DIY repairs for OBDII code P1E51?

- Due to the complex nature of hybrid/electric vehicle systems and high-voltage components, DIY repairs for this code are not recommended. It is best to seek professional assistance to ensure proper diagnosis and repair.

10. Can OBDII code P1E51 affect the overall performance of my hybrid/electric vehicle?

- Yes, OBDII code P1E51 can affect the overall performance of the vehicle by causing issues with battery charging, reducing fuel efficiency, and impacting the hybrid/electric drive system's functionality.