P0A85 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A85 means
The controller detects a short to voltage on the control output of battery cooling fan 1. GM runs the test while the fan is commanded between 11 % and 100 % duty: a circuit voltage above 9 V counts as a failure, and 16 fails in 20 samples set a Type B code with MIL after two trips. GM tables from 2013, 2016, 2018 and 2019 hybrid programs carry it, partly via the output stage status flag. Depending on the circuit, the fan may run constantly at full speed or not respond. The low and open counterparts are P0A84 and P0A81; a fan that keeps running without a circuit fault is P0A83.
P0A85 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A85
- Check engine or hybrid warning after two trips
- Battery fan runs constantly or not at all
- Possible 12 V battery drain when parked
Common causes of P0A85
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to a supply voltage
- PossibleFan control input internally open or shorted to its supply
- Less likelyCorroded connector creating leakage to supply
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hybrid battery cooling fan 1Wiring harnessBms
What each part of P0A85 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 85 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A85 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0A85
What does P0A85 mean?
P0A85 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit High". The controller detects a short to voltage on the control output of battery cooling fan 1. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A85?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A85 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A85 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A85 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0A85 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A85 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.