P0AE3: Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Open

P0AE3 is set when the precharge path does not conduct after it has been commanded closed, so the bus voltage fails to rise and the main contactors are not allowed to close. GM documents several cases: preliminary information PIC6165A for the 2016-17 Chevrolet Volt describes a rare P0AE3 in cool weather right after a completed charge, without driveability effects; parts should not be replaced, a new calibration followed, and the MIL goes out after three clean drive cycles. GM bulletin 23-NA-151 lists P0AE3 among high-priority codes on Ultium EVs that call for battery stability checks. Audi includes P0AE300 for the 2022 e-tron GT. Unlike P0AE2, the contacts stay open; a slow precharge is P0C78.

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 or service engine soon light on
No battery charge level shown after switching on

Most likely causes

Battery controller calibration sets the code under certain conditions (GM Volt, Audi)
Precharge contactor contacts burnt or coil not pulling in
Precharge resistor or its fuse open
Internal fault in the battery disconnect unit

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
Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
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 P0AE3 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
A: Hybrid or air and fuel
E3: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0AE3?

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 P0AE3?

The most common causes are: battery controller calibration sets the code under certain conditions (GM Volt, Audi); precharge contactor contacts burnt or coil not pulling in; precharge resistor or its fuse open.

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.