P0AE2 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Closed
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AE2 means
P0AE2 means the precharge path conducts although it should be open, for example welded contacts or a precharge switch that no longer turns off. GM's 2011 Volt table checks it once per precharge event: if the bus voltage already exceeds 80 % of pack voltage before precharge begins, the precharge FET is judged stuck closed, 4 of 4 samples, Type A with MIL after one trip. Mitsubishi lists P0AE2 as charging contactor seizure on the 2012 i-MiEV (TSB-12-54-014). Audi names it for the 2022 e-tron GT with a software fix, and Dodge and Jeep list P0AE2-00 for the 2025 Charger EV and 2024 Wagoneer S, where a battery pack replacement may be required. The car may refuse to start.
P0AE2 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0AE2
- Vehicle does not become ready to drive
- MIL and hybrid or EV warning on
- Wrench symbol or service message in the cluster
Common causes of P0AE2
- Most likelyPrecharge contactor contacts welded or precharge switch shorted
- PossibleBattery controller software sets the code falsely (Audi, Stellantis bulletins)
- Less likelyContactor driver held on by a short to power
- Less likelyBus voltage not discharged before the next precharge
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery precharge contactorPrecharge resistor
What each part of P0AE2 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. |
| E2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AE2 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 P0AE2
What does P0AE2 mean?
P0AE2 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Closed". P0AE2 means the precharge path conducts although it should be open, for example welded contacts or a precharge switch that no longer turns off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AE2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AE2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AE2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AE2 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 P0AE2 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AE2 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.