P0AE6 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor A Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AE6 means
P0AE6 means the control line of precharge contactor A is pulled too low, usually a short to ground. GM documents it in several programs. The 2016 and 2019 hybrid tables test the high-side driver while the contactor is commanded on and fail it below 5.35 V, 13 of 16 samples at 12.5 ms, Type B with two trips, enabled above 10.2 V system voltage. GM's 2013 eAssist battery controller uses a low-side driver and flags low voltage in the off state, which there points to a short to ground or an open circuit, 3 of 5 samples at 50 ms, Type B. CARB requires such circuit checks on hybrid outputs. Because the coil cannot pull in, precharge never starts; the positive main contactor equivalent is P0ADB.
P0AE6 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 P0AE6
- Vehicle does not become ready to drive
- MIL and hybrid warning on
- Engine start or electric drive unavailable
Common causes of P0AE6
- Most likelyControl wire chafed and shorted to ground
- PossiblePrecharge contactor coil shorted internally
- Less likelyOpen circuit on low-side driven designs (GM eAssist)
- Less likelyDriver stage in the battery controller defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery precharge contactor aWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0AE6 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. |
| E6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AE6 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 P0AE6
What does P0AE6 mean?
P0AE6 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor A Control Circuit Low". P0AE6 means the control line of precharge contactor A is pulled too low, usually a short to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AE6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AE6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AE6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AE6 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 P0AE6 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AE6 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.