P0B3C: Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense A Circuit Range/Performance

P0B3C flags a cell voltage channel A that reads plausible values but does not follow the other cells. GM runs this check in Hybrid Powertrain Control Processor 2 as a stuck-in-range test: while the average cell voltage moves by at least 0.005 V in one direction between samples, channel A must move as well; 35 failures in 40 samples at 100 ms set the code, Type A, one trip. FCA names the code Voltage Sense 1 Circuit Performance on the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid and fixes it, together with P0B41 and further channels, by reprogramming the battery pack control module. Circuit, low, high and erratic faults have their own codes. The system limits battery power or shuts down hybrid operation.

Symptoms

• MIL on, often with several voltage sense codes
• Reduced electric range or no electric drive
• Contactor related codes stored at the same time

Most likely causes

• Battery controller software, fixed by reprogramming (FCA Pacifica)
• Cell voltage measurement channel frozen inside the monitoring electronics
• High resistance in the cell sense line or its connection
• Cell monitoring board failure inside the pack

What to check, in order

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

1. Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
2. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
3. Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
4. Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
5. 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 P0B3C means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• B: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 3C: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0B3C?

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 P0B3C?

The most common causes are: battery controller software, fixed by reprogramming (FCA Pacifica); cell voltage measurement channel frozen inside the monitoring electronics; high resistance in the cell sense line or its connection.

Related codes

• P0B3BHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense A Circuit
• P0B3DHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense A Circuit Low
• P0B3EHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense A Circuit High
• P0B3FHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0B41Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense B Circuit Range/Performance
• P0ABBHybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense A Circuit Range/Performance

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10218553 9999
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

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.