AutoCodesChevrolet – P1E51 Chevrolet

P1E51 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet 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 991
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 23, 2020
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Code P1E51 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P1E51 Chevrolet Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E51 Chevrolet?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1E51 Chevrolet?

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 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1E51 mean for a Chevrolet?

P1E51 refers to an issue with the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 38 Circuit, indicating a problem with the battery or its associated wiring or control systems.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1E51?

Symptoms may include a reduction in hybrid or EV performance, the vehicle not starting, warning lights on the dashboard, or reduced fuel efficiency.

3. What causes the P1E51 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty battery module, damaged wiring or connectors in the battery circuit, or a malfunctioning battery control module.

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

It’s not recommended to drive with this code, as it could lead to further damage or leave the vehicle inoperable due to battery-related issues.

5. How is the P1E51 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the battery system, check the wiring and connectors, and test the battery control module for proper operation.

6. What repairs can fix the P1E51 code?

Repairs may include replacing a faulty battery module, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

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

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the issue, ranging from $200 for minor wiring repairs to over $1,000 for battery module or control module replacement.

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

No, the P1E51 code is specific to the high-voltage hybrid/electric battery system and not related to the 12V auxiliary battery.

9. Is the P1E51 code covered under warranty?

High-voltage battery components may be covered under an extended hybrid/electric vehicle warranty. Check with your dealer for warranty specifics.

10. How can I prevent the P1E51 code from occurring?

Regular maintenance, avoiding exposure of the battery system to extreme temperatures, and addressing any warning lights promptly can help prevent issues with the battery circuit.

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