P0AE0 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Negative Contactor Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AE0 means
P0AE0 is stored when the negative contactor drive circuit shows too high a voltage for its state, which mostly means a short to battery voltage. GM's 2016-19 hybrid tables set it with the contactor commanded off and the driver output between 5.27 and 19.7 V for 40 of 50 samples at 12.5 ms, Type B, two trips. CARB 1968.2 requires hybrid output components to be monitored for such circuit faults. Siblings are P0ADD (open) and P0ADF (low); the positive side equivalent is P0ADC. A coil energized by a short could keep the contactor closed, so a stuck-closed code P0AA4 may follow. The controller usually disables the high-voltage system.
P0AE0 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0AE0
- Hybrid or EV warning light
- High-voltage system disabled, vehicle not ready
- Possible additional stuck-closed code
Common causes of P0AE0
- Most likelyCoil control wire shorted to 12 V
- PossibleDamaged harness or connector at the battery disconnect unit
- Less likelyDriver stage in the battery controller shorted
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery neg contactorWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0AE0 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. |
| E0 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AE0 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 P0AE0
What does P0AE0 mean?
P0AE0 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Negative Contactor Control Circuit High". P0AE0 is stored when the negative contactor drive circuit shows too high a voltage for its state, which mostly means a short to battery voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AE0?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AE0 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AE0 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AE0 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 P0AE0 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AE0 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.