AutoCodes – Buick – P1E51 Buick

P1E51 Buick 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 Buick 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 794

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 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 P1E51 Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1E51 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E51 Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1E51 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 P1E51 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 P1E51 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1E51 mean on a Buick?

The P1E51 code indicates an issue with the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit, often related to a fault in the battery control module or a specific battery cell group.

2. What are the symptoms of the P1E51 code on a Buick?

Symptoms may include reduced hybrid or electric performance, a warning light on the dashboard, lower fuel efficiency, or the vehicle entering a limp or reduced power mode.

3. What causes the P1E51 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty battery control module, poor wiring connections, damaged battery cells, or issues with the battery packâ€™s internal circuitry.

4. Can I drive my Buick with a P1E51 code?

It is not recommended to drive the vehicle for extended periods with this code, as it may lead to further damage or reduced hybrid/electric functionality.

5. How is the P1E51 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to check for additional codes, inspect the high-voltage battery system, test wiring and connectors, and monitor the battery control module for faults.

6. What repairs are needed for the P1E51 code?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged battery cells, repairing or replacing the battery control module, or fixing wiring and connection issues in the affected circuit.

7. How much does it cost to fix the P1E51 code on a Buick?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the issue but may range from $500 to $5,000, especially if the battery pack requires replacement.

8. Can a dead 12V battery cause the P1E51 code?

While unlikely, a weak 12V battery can sometimes contribute to hybrid system issues. Itâ€™s best to rule out a failing 12V battery first.

9. What tools are needed to troubleshoot the P1E51 code?

Diagnosing this code typically requires an advanced OBDII scan tool, a multimeter for testing circuits, and possibly manufacturer-specific diagnostic software.

10. Can a software update fix the P1E51 code?

In some cases, a software update for the battery control module may resolve the issue, but this depends on the specific circumstances and manufacturer recommendations.