AutoCodes – Buick – P1E5C Buick

P1E5C Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 49 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: P1E5C Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 49 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 700

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 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1E5C 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 P1E5C Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 49 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1E5C Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 49 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E5C Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1E5C 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 P1E5C 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 P1E5C Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1E5C mean on a Buick?

P1E5C indicates an issue with the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 49 Circuit, often related to a malfunction in one of the battery cells or the associated circuitry.

2. What are common symptoms of the P1E5C code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, reduced hybrid or electric performance, decreased fuel efficiency, or the vehicle entering fail-safe or limited power mode.

3. What causes the P1E5C code on a Buick hybrid or electric vehicle?

Possible causes include a faulty battery cell, damaged wiring or connectors in the battery circuit, a malfunctioning battery control module, or software issues.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1E5C code present?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, doing so can cause further damage to the hybrid/electric battery system. Itâ€™s recommended to have the issue diagnosed and repaired promptly.

5. How is the P1E5C code diagnosed in a Buick?

A technician will use a scan tool to read the code, inspect the battery circuit wiring and connectors, test the battery cells, and check for updates to the control module software.

6. What repairs are needed to fix the P1E5C code on a Buick?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring, repairing or replacing faulty battery cells, updating the battery control module software, or replacing the battery control module if necessary.

7. How much does it cost to repair the P1E5C code on a Buick?

The cost can vary widely depending on the exact cause, ranging from a few hundred dollars for minor wiring repairs to several thousand dollars for hybrid battery replacement.

8. Can a dead battery cause the P1E5C code on a Buick?

Yes, a failing or dead hybrid battery cell can trigger the P1E5C code, as it disrupts the normal operation of the battery's 49 circuit.

9. Does the P1E5C code require reprogramming the control module?

In some cases, reprogramming or updating the battery control module software may be necessary to resolve the issue after repairs.

10. What preventive maintenance can help avoid the P1E5C code?

Regular inspections of the hybrid battery system, ensuring proper cooling for the battery, and addressing warning signs like reduced efficiency early can help prevent this code.