P0AC0 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Current Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AC0 means
P0AC0 belongs to the battery current sensor family, not to battery cooling. It reports a sensor whose reading is electrically valid but implausible. GM's 2011 to 2013 hybrid tables describe the check: with the contactors open, when no current can flow, the reading in each of the sensor's high, mid and low ranges must stay within 5 A of zero, and the controller also checks that the measured current fits the change in pack voltage. A failure sets the code as one-trip Type A in the 2013 table. The check waits while circuit codes P0AC1 or P0AC2 are active. Effects are a drifting charge estimate, reduced hybrid power and, in severe cases, a vehicle that will not go ready.
P0AC0 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0AC0
- Hybrid system or check engine warning on
- State of charge display drifts or jumps
- Reduced electric assist
Common causes of P0AC0
- Most likelyCurrent sensor zero offset drifted
- PossibleUnstable sensor supply or reference voltage
- Less likelyBattery controller input fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery pack current sensor aWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0AC0 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. |
| C0 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AC0 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 P0AC0
What does P0AC0 mean?
P0AC0 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Current Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance". P0AC0 belongs to the battery current sensor family, not to battery cooling. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AC0?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AC0 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AC0 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AC0 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 P0AC0 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AC0 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.