On plug-in hybrids with a sealed, pressurised tank, pressing the fuel button (open request) starts a refuelling mode: the module opens the tank valve, releases the pressure into the charcoal canister and only then unlocks the filler door via an electric actuator (Ford patent). P04CB means the button line is above its valid range. On Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV from 2023 the engine module feeds the button and a press pulls the line to ground; P04CB sets if the line carries battery voltage for 2 s, i.e. a short to positive. Mitsubishi shows a 'refuelling system service required' message for these codes and gives no drive-cycle pattern.
Low severity. Can I keep driving?You can normally keep driving. If it affects the fuel level, do not trust the gauge and refuel earlier than usual.
Symptoms
- Fuel button has no effect, door does not open
- Refuelling system message in the instrument cluster
- Refuelling only via emergency release
Most likely causes
- Button line shorted to positive
- Fuel button faulty
- Connector or wiring damaged
- Module
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: easy
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P04CB means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 4: Emissions
- CB: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P04CB?
You can normally keep driving. If it affects the fuel level, do not trust the gauge and refuel earlier than usual.
What causes code P04CB?
The most common causes are: button line shorted to positive; fuel button faulty; connector or wiring damaged.
Related codes
- P04C8Fuel Fill Door Open Request Sensor/Switch Circuit
- P04C9Fuel Fill Door Open Request Sensor/Switch Performance/Stuck Off
- P04CAFuel Fill Door Open Request Sensor/Switch Circuit Low
- P04CCFuel Fill Door Open Request Sensor/Switch Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P04CDFuel Fill Door Open Request Sensor/Switch Stuck On
- P04BFFuel Fill Door Unlock Control Circuit/Open
Sources
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.