P0B46: Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Range/Performance

With P0B46 the channel C wiring is intact; the value on it looks plausible but no longer behaves like a real cell. GM's 2019 tables run the test in Hybrid Powertrain Control Processor 2: whenever the average cell voltage trends by at least 0.005 V in one direction, channel C has to follow; if it stays frozen in 35 of 40 samples at 100 ms, the code sets, Type A. The 2016 Chevrolet Volt uses a window of 7 out of 8 seconds instead. Chrysler calls the code Voltage Sense 3 Circuit Performance on the 2020 Pacifica plug-in hybrid and cures it by reflashing the battery pack control module. So before opening the battery, check the controller software level.

Symptoms

• MIL on without noticeable driving fault
• Reduced electric power or hybrid assist
• Contactor or precharge codes stored at the same time (Pacifica)

Most likely causes

• Battery controller software misjudging the channel, fixed by reflash (Chrysler Pacifica PHEV)
• Measuring chip input for channel C stuck at a constant value
• High-resistance cell tap damping the channel C signal

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 P0B46 means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0B46?

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 P0B46?

The most common causes are: battery controller software misjudging the channel, fixed by reflash (Chrysler Pacifica PHEV); measuring chip input for channel C stuck at a constant value; high-resistance cell tap damping the channel C signal.

Related codes

• P0B45Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit
• P0B47Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Low
• P0B48Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit High
• P0B49Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0B41Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense B Circuit Range/Performance
• P0B4BHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense D Circuit Range/Performance

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG01 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.