P0ACB code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0ACB means
With P0ACB the controller judges battery temperature sensor C implausible: its value deviates too far from what the other pack sensors report. GM applies the same limits as for sensors A and B. In the 2016 and 2019 tables the threshold is more than 25 °C away from the average of the other sensors in 50 of 67 samples; the 2011 and 2013 two-mode tables use more than 15 °C in 90 of 100; the 2013 table 13OBDG05C uses 8.55 °C after a soak of more than 6 hours. All are Type B, two trips. The Volt bulletin 18-NA-342 includes P0ACB among codes corrected by software. Without a bulletin, compare all sensors after an overnight soak to see whether only sensor C stands out.
P0ACB 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 P0ACB
- Check engine or hybrid warning light
- Sensor C reads clearly off the others after a long soak
- Possibly reduced charge and drive power
Common causes of P0ACB
- Most likelySensor C drifted from its characteristic
- PossibleController software flags the sensor falsely (GM Volt bulletin 18-NA-342)
- PossibleCorroded terminal adding resistance
- Less likelyReal temperature difference in the module monitored by sensor C
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 cWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0ACB 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. |
| CB | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0ACB 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 P0ACB
What does P0ACB mean?
P0ACB means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance". With P0ACB the controller judges battery temperature sensor C implausible: its value deviates too far from what the other pack sensors report. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0ACB?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0ACB the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0ACB fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0ACB 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 P0ACB to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0ACB 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.