P0AE2: Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Closed

P0AE2 means the precharge path conducts although it should be open, for example welded contacts or a precharge switch that no longer turns off. GM's 2011 Volt table checks it once per precharge event: if the bus voltage already exceeds 80 % of pack voltage before precharge begins, the precharge FET is judged stuck closed, 4 of 4 samples, Type A with MIL after one trip. Mitsubishi lists P0AE2 as charging contactor seizure on the 2012 i-MiEV (TSB-12-54-014). Audi names it for the 2022 e-tron GT with a software fix, and Dodge and Jeep list P0AE2-00 for the 2025 Charger EV and 2024 Wagoneer S, where a battery pack replacement may be required. The car may refuse to start.

High severity. Can I keep driving?If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

Symptoms

Vehicle does not become ready to drive
MIL and hybrid or EV warning on
Wrench symbol or service message in the cluster

Most likely causes

Precharge contactor contacts welded or precharge switch shorted
Battery controller software sets the code falsely (Audi, Stellantis bulletins)
Contactor driver held on by a short to power
Bus voltage not discharged before the next precharge

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
Use the scanner to command the movement and compare the actual position with the requested one.
Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
Leave any high-voltage measurements to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0AE2 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
A: Hybrid or air and fuel
E2: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0AE2?

If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

What causes code P0AE2?

The most common causes are: precharge contactor contacts welded or precharge switch shorted; battery controller software sets the code falsely (Audi, Stellantis bulletins); contactor driver held on by a short to power.

Related codes

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.