AutoCodes – Buick – P1FC3 Buick

P1FC3 Buick Code - Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 5 5 V Reference Circuit

Quick Answer

The hybrid battery contains 192 individual cells. Common causes include Faulty Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module, Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module harness is open or shorted, Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P1FC3 Buick indicates Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 5 5 V Reference Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module, Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module harness is open or shorted, Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module circuit poor electrical connection.
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.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 730

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 27, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1FC3 Buick Description

The hybrid battery contains 192 individual cells. Two cells are welded together in parallel and called a cell group. There are a total of 96 cell groups in the hybrid battery 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 cell groups are joined to form 3 distinct sections. The first 24 battery cell groups make up battery section 1. This section is adjacent to the cowl and contains battery cell groups 73 through 96. The next 28 battery cell groups make up battery section 2. This section is located behind section 1 and contains battery cell groups 45 through 72. The transverse battery section is section number 3 and it contains the remaining 44 battery cell groups 1 through 44. The battery sections also contain two temperature sensors, with one sensor located at each end of the section.
The battery energy control module monitors the voltage of the 96 battery cell groups. The voltage sense lines are attached to each individual cell group, and these sense lines terminate at a connector located on the top surface of the battery section. A voltage sense harness joins this connector to the battery energy control module.
The battery energy control module contains internal interface control modules that monitor specific cell groups.
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 the hybrid powertrain control module 2 through serial data. The hybrid powertrain control module 2 is the host controller for diagnostic trouble code information.

OBDII Code P1FC3 Buick - Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 5 5 V Reference Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1FC3 Buick Code - Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 5 5 V Reference Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1FC3 Buick?

Faulty Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module
Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module harness is open or shorted
Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1FC3 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 P1FC3 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.

Need more information about the P1FC3 Buick code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1FC3 Buick code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1FC3 Buick code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 P1FC3 Buick Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1FC3 mean on a Buick?

P1FC3 indicates an issue with the Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module 5's 5V reference circuit, which is essential for proper communication and sensor functionality.

2. What are the common symptoms of the P1FC3 code in a Buick?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, reduced hybrid/EV performance, difficulty starting, or the vehicle entering a limp mode.

3. What causes the P1FC3 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module, wiring issues such as shorts or opens, or a malfunctioning sensor that relies on the 5V reference circuit.

4. Can I drive my Buick with the P1FC3 code active?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it can limit vehicle performance, cause further damage, or affect the safety of the hybrid/EV system.

5. How is the P1FC3 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect the 5V reference circuit wiring and connectors, and test the Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module for faults.

6. How do you fix the P1FC3 code on a Buick?

Repairs may involve replacing damaged wiring, repairing connectors, or replacing the Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module if it is found to be defective.

7. How much does it cost to repair the P1FC3 code?

Repair costs vary but can range from $100 for wiring repairs to over $1,000 if the Hybrid/EV Battery Interface Control Module needs replacement.

8. Can a weak 12V battery cause the P1FC3 code?

While uncommon, a weak or failing 12V battery may indirectly cause voltage-related issues that trigger the code, so itâ€™s worth checking the battery condition.

9. Is the P1FC3 code specific to Buick vehicles?

The P1FC3 code is not exclusive to Buick but is more commonly seen in GM vehicles equipped with hybrid or EV systems.

10. Can software updates fix the P1FC3 code?

In some cases, a software update to the hybrid/EV control module may address issues causing the code, but this depends on the specific vehicle and situation.