AutoCodes – Buick – P1E81 Buick

P1E81 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 86 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: P1E81 Buick indicates Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 86 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 741

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 P1E81 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 P1E81 Buick - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 86 Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1E81 Buick Code - Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 86 Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E81 Buick?

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

How to Fix the DTC P1E81 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 P1E81 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 P1E81 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1E81 mean on a Buick?

The code P1E81 indicates an issue with the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Battery 86 Circuit, which typically relates to a fault in the high-voltage battery or its associated circuitry.

2. What are common symptoms of the P1E81 code on a Buick?

Symptoms may include warning lights on the dashboard, reduced hybrid/electric mode performance, limited power, or the vehicle entering a limp mode.

3. What causes the P1E81 code to appear?

This code can be caused by a malfunction in the high-voltage battery, a damaged or corroded wiring harness, a faulty battery control module, or communication issues between system components.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1E81 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended, as it may result in reduced performance or potential damage to the hybrid/electric system. Address the issue promptly.

5. How do you diagnose a P1E81 code on a Buick?

Diagnosis typically involves scanning the vehicle with a compatible OBDII scanner, inspecting the high-voltage battery and its wiring, and testing the battery control module for faults.

6. What repairs are needed to fix the P1E81 code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring, repairing or replacing the high-voltage battery, or reprogramming or replacing the battery control module.

7. Is the P1E81 code covered under warranty for a Buick?

In many cases, hybrid or electric battery components may be covered under a specific warranty. Check your vehicle's warranty terms for details.

8. How much does it cost to fix a P1E81 code on a Buick?

Costs vary depending on the specific issue but can range from a few hundred dollars for wiring repairs to several thousand if the high-voltage battery needs replacement.

9. Can a dead 12V battery cause the P1E81 code?

While a dead 12V battery can cause some issues, the P1E81 code is more likely linked to the high-voltage battery or its control system.

10. Do I need special tools to fix the P1E81 code on a Buick?

Yes, diagnosing and repairing this code often requires specialized tools, such as an advanced OBDII scanner and equipment designed for high-voltage systems.