P0B47: Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Low

P0B47 is stored when channel C delivers a voltage too low to come from a working cell or block, so the controller blames the measurement rather than the battery. GM documents two implementations. On lithium-ion packs the battery energy control module sets it at 0.2 V or less for 1.4 s within 2 s, Type A, one trip, unless an open sense line, communication or balancing fault is already active. On the 2012 Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Silverado and Sierra two-mode hybrids channel C is nickel-metal hydride block 3; there block 3 and block 4 must both read under 2 V in 15 of 20 samples, Type B, two trips. Shorted sense lines or a failed measuring input are the usual suspects.

Symptoms

• Hybrid system warning and MIL
• Electric drive or engine start-stop no longer available
• Battery power limited, sluggish acceleration

Most likely causes

• Sense lines of channel C shorted to each other or to a neighbouring tap
• Failed measuring input in the battery monitoring module
• Loose or corroded block connector shared by blocks 3 and 4 (GM two-mode)

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. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
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 P0B47 means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0B47?

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 P0B47?

The most common causes are: sense lines of channel C shorted to each other or to a neighbouring tap; failed measuring input in the battery monitoring module; loose or corroded block connector shared by blocks 3 and 4 (GM two-mode).

Related codes

• P0B45Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit
• P0B46Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Range/Performance
• P0B48Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit High
• P0B49Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0B42Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense B Circuit Low
• P0B4CHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense D Circuit Low
• P0ABCHybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense A Circuit Low

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 12OBDG06 Hybrid Diagnostics
• 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.