P0C8E: Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit Range/Performance

P0C8E sets when sensor J delivers an electrically valid temperature that disagrees with the other modules. For the 2012 Volt, table 12OBDG01A runs the check only after propulsion, off-board charging and battery conditioning have all been inactive for more than 21,600 s, so the pack should be evenly soaked; a gap above 25.3 °C to the mean of the remaining sensors in 50 of 67 samples fails it, Type B. The 2019 GM table 19OBDG02 keeps the logic with a 25.00 °C limit. Mitsubishi, on the 2018 Outlander PHEV, calls it rationality of sensor [09] and accepts a much smaller gap of 13 °C once the car has stood for 3,600 s. A loosened sensor or a real hot spot is more likely than a wiring fault; P0C8F and P0C90 cover shorts and opens.

Symptoms

• Warning lamp appearing after the car has been parked for many hours
• Battery power reduced while the pack is cold or warm

Most likely causes

• Thermistor J drifted but still within its electrical range
• Sensor J no longer pressed against its cell group
• Actual temperature difference from a weak cell or blocked cooling path

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 P0C8E means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• C: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 8E: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0C8E?

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 P0C8E?

The most common causes are: thermistor J drifted but still within its electrical range; sensor J no longer pressed against its cell group; actual temperature difference from a weak cell or blocked cooling path.

Related codes

• P0C8DHybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit
• P0C8FHybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit Low
• P0C90Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit High
• P0C91Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0C89Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor I Circuit Range/Performance
• P0C93Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor K Circuit Range/Performance

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 12OBDG01A HYBRID Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG02 Hybrid Diagnostics
• mitsubishitechinfo.com: M154940770001700USA

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.