The control pilot is the signal line between charging station and vehicle: the station drives a 1 kHz square wave of about ±12 V, the vehicle loads it through a diode and resistors and thereby moves the level between the charging states. P0CF3 means the charge control module sees this line as interrupted, so no usable pilot reaches it although a connector is expected. FCA lists P0CF3-00 for the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid 2018 and 2019 (hybrid control processor, North America) and for the Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe 2020-2021 (integrated dual charging module, Europe); each bulletin cures false entries with new module software. Implausible levels fall under P0CF4, shorts under P0CF5 and P0CF6, dropouts under P0CF7. Usually the car refuses to start charging or stops shortly after plugging in.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
Symptoms
- Charging does not start although the cable is plugged in
- Charging aborts shortly after connection
- Malfunction indicator lamp on and code not clearing (FCA)
Most likely causes
- Charging or hybrid control module software misjudging the pilot (FCA reflash bulletins)
- Bent, pushed-back or corroded pilot pin in the charge inlet, or a broken pilot wire
- Defective charging cable or station that delivers no pilot signal
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
What each character of P0CF3 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- C: Subsystem depends on the code range
- F3: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0CF3?
If the car is running normally, drive in moderation to a repair shop. If it loses power or another warning appears, do not continue.
What causes code P0CF3?
The most common causes are: charging or hybrid control module software misjudging the pilot (FCA reflash bulletins); bent, pushed-back or corroded pilot pin in the charge inlet, or a broken pilot wire; defective charging cable or station that delivers no pilot signal.
Related codes
- P0CF4Control Pilot Circuit Range/Performance
- P0CF5Control Pilot Circuit Low
- P0CF6Control Pilot Circuit High
- P0CF7Control Pilot Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0D57Proximity Detection Circuit A Range/Performance
- P0D2ABattery Charger Input Current Too High
Sources
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10215947 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10214640 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10194049 9999
- en.wikipedia.org: SAE J1772
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.