P0AC6 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AC6 means
P0AC6 is the plausibility test for battery temperature sensor B: its reading is compared with the other pack sensors. GM documents several calibrations. The 2016 and 2019 tables fail it when the sensor differs from the average of the other sensors by more than 25 °C, 50 of 67 samples; the two-mode hybrid tables of 2011 and 2013 use more than 15 °C, 90 of 100 samples; GM's 2013 table 13OBDG05C allows 8.55 °C after more than 6 hours off. All are Type B, two trips. Bulletin 18-NA-342 for the Chevrolet Volt lists P0AC6 among false sensor codes in cold weather and fixes them by reprogramming. Otherwise a drifting sensor or a real local hot spot in a module is likely.
P0AC6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0AC6
- Check engine or hybrid warning light
- One sensor reading far off the others in live data
- Battery too cold message on the Volt in mild weather
Common causes of P0AC6
- Most likelySensor B drifted from its characteristic
- PossibleController software flags the sensor falsely (GM Volt bulletin 18-NA-342)
- PossibleCorroded contact adding resistance in the sensor circuit
- Less likelyReal temperature difference from a weak cell or blocked cooling
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery temp sensor bWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0AC6 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. |
| C6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AC6 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 P0AC6
What does P0AC6 mean?
P0AC6 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". P0AC6 is the plausibility test for battery temperature sensor B: its reading is compared with the other pack sensors. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AC6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AC6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AC6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AC6 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 P0AC6 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AC6 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.