P0C76 means the high-voltage bus is still too high a set time after the contactors opened, so the inverter capacitor was not drained as intended. GM publishes thresholds: the 2011 Volt flags more than 200 V after 3.5 s (Special Type C, no MIL), the 2013 eAssist cars more than 65 V after 6.5 s and the 2019 tables more than 200 V after 3.5 s, both Type A after two failed runs. Bulletins name welded contactors on the 2019 Volt (software update, N192226060), a high-voltage cable that had worked loose on the inverter terminal of the 2017 Pacifica Hybrid (08-107-17) and, on GM two-mode trucks, jump-starting with the key on (PIT4585E). A failed discharge circuit is the classic part fault. Treat the bus as live until measured.
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
- Hybrid warning lamp or service high voltage message
- Vehicle may not start or become ready
- Loss of propulsion
Most likely causes
- Active discharge circuit or discharge resistor in the inverter failed
- Main contactor welded closed so the battery keeps feeding the bus
- Loose high-voltage cable or terminal at the inverter
- Low 12 V supply during shutdown or module software
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 P0C76 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- C: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 76: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0C76?
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 P0C76?
The most common causes are: active discharge circuit or discharge resistor in the inverter failed; main contactor welded closed so the battery keeps feeding the bus; loose high-voltage cable or terminal at the inverter.
Related codes
- P0C75Hybrid/EV Battery System Discharge Time Too Short
- P0C77Hybrid/EV Battery System Precharge Time Too Short
- P0C78Hybrid/EV Battery System Precharge Time Too Long
- P0AA1Hybrid/EV Battery Positive Contactor Circuit Stuck Closed
- P0AA4Hybrid/EV Battery Negative Contactor Circuit Stuck Closed
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 13OBDG05C Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10171419 9999
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.