P0CAE is the plausibility check for sensor N: the value is electrically acceptable, yet out of line with its neighbours. GM's 2012 Volt table 12OBDG01A demands a rest of more than 21,600 s without propulsion, external charging or thermal conditioning and then fails the test at a deviation above 25.3 °C in 50 of 67 samples, Type B. The 2019 table 19OBDG02 keeps the count but uses 25.00 °C, 25 ms sampling and a minimum supply of 10.2 V. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander PHEV applies the code to module sensor [13] and checks it once per drive cycle after a one-hour soak: 13 °C or more away from the 50-sensor mean for 0.32 s. Electrical faults of N are reported separately as P0CAF and P0CB0.
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
- Warning lamp after the car has stood for hours
- Limited battery power
Most likely causes
- Thermistor N reading off while electrically valid
- Sensor N detached from its cell or module surface
- Real temperature difference in that pack section
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 P0CAE means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- C: Subsystem depends on the code range
- AE: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0CAE?
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 P0CAE?
The most common causes are: thermistor N reading off while electrically valid; sensor N detached from its cell or module surface; real temperature difference in that pack section.
Related codes
- P0CADHybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit
- P0CAFHybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit Low
- P0CB0Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit High
- P0CB1Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0CA9Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor M Circuit Range/Performance
- P0CB3Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor O Circuit Range/Performance
Sources
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 12OBDG01A HYBRID Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG02 Hybrid Diagnostics
- mitsubishitechinfo.com: M15494077A026000USA
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.