P0D97: Battery Charger Coupler Unlock Control Circuit High

P0D97 reports that the unlock control output sits higher than it should while the module is not driving it, or does not follow the command, which points to a release line touching a supply voltage. Such a fault is critical for safety logic: a release path that may be energised unintentionally could free the plug during current flow, so control units typically end the charging session or refuse to begin it while the code is active. No manufacturer documents P0D97 openly. CARB's comprehensive-component rules require output circuits to be checked for shorts and correct response, and the TE Connectivity actuator patent EP3252879B1 stresses that the lock position must be reliably detected to prevent unsecured charging. P0D96 is the short to ground, P0D93 the matching fault on the locking side.

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

Charging session stops or does not start
Plug is not held firmly in the inlet
Charging system fault message

Most likely causes

Unlock drive wire shorted to a supply wire in the harness
Internal short inside the lock actuator
Unlock driver stage of the module stuck on

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
Leave any high-voltage measurements to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

Repair difficulty: medium

What each character of P0D97 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
D: Subsystem depends on the code range
97: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0D97?

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 P0D97?

The most common causes are: unlock drive wire shorted to a supply wire in the harness; internal short inside the lock actuator; unlock driver stage of the module stuck on.

Related codes

Sources

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.