Channel X, number twenty-four, starts with P0BAE, the open-lead code. The first-generation Volt of 2011 already detected it through several cases: two neighbouring readings more than 1 V apart, a busbar sense voltage above 0.7 V combined with an implausible cell voltage, or adjacent cells differing by more than 0.5 V on a shared supply line. GM's later 16OBDG02 programme measures the sense line resistance directly and fails it above 30.00 in seven of nine samples, Type A; the unit is not printed. In the 2019 battery energy control module the familiar 1.3 V and 36 mV criteria apply with 0.8 s in 1.6 s. Whichever method is used, the controller loses sight of one cell and normally restricts the battery.
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
- MIL and service message for the high-voltage system
- Vehicle may stay out of ready mode
- Charging stops early
Most likely causes
- Sense lead X broken or disconnected
- Loose busbar fastener at the X sensing point
- Sense harness X damaged during earlier battery work
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0BAE means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- B: Subsystem depends on the code range
- AE: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0BAE?
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 P0BAE?
The most common causes are: sense lead X broken or disconnected; loose busbar fastener at the X sensing point; sense harness X damaged during earlier battery work.
Related codes
- P0BAFHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense X Circuit Range/Performance
- P0BB0Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense X Circuit Low
- P0BB1Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense X Circuit High
- P0BB2Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense X Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0BA9Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense W Circuit
- P0BB3Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense Y Circuit
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG02 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
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.