P0D51 covers a circuit fault of the sensor that measures the direct current the on-board charger pushes into the traction battery. No manufacturer documents P0D51 itself. GM's charger module for the Volt and ELR and Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV use the low and high codes P0D53 and P0D54 for electrical faults of this sensor, and Mitsubishi adds P0D52 for an offset check. Without a usable current value the charger can neither regulate charging current nor prove that its output power matches its input, a check GM performs under P0D5C. CARB obliges plug-in hybrids to detect charger malfunctions that prevent or slow charging. Expect AC charging to be blocked while the vehicle itself keeps driving.
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
- AC charging does not start
- Charging system warning shown
- Driving not affected
Most likely causes
- Current sensor or its evaluation circuit in the charger failed
- Open signal path between sensor and charger controller
- Charger software fault
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
What each character of P0D51 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- D: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 51: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0D51?
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 P0D51?
The most common causes are: current sensor or its evaluation circuit in the charger failed; open signal path between sensor and charger controller; charger software fault.
Related codes
- P0D52Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- P0D53Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit Low
- P0D54Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit High
- P0D55Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0D4CBattery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Voltage Sensor Circuit
- P0D5CBattery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Power Performance
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 14OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- mitsubishitechinfo.com: M154950440001400USA
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.