P0AE7 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor A Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AE7 means
P0AE7 is stored when the control line of precharge contactor A carries too much voltage for its commanded state, typically a short to the 12 V supply. In GM's 2016 and 2019 hybrid tables the high-side driver output reads between 5.27 and 19.7 V while the contactor is commanded off, 40 of 50 samples at 12.5 ms, Type B, two trips. GM's 2013 eAssist controller looks for a short to power on its low-side driver in the on state, 3 of 5 samples at 50 ms, Type B. A coil energized by a short may keep the precharge path closed when it should be open, so P0AE2 can follow. CARB requires circuit monitoring of such hybrid outputs. The negative and positive main contactor counterparts are P0AE0 and P0ADC.
P0AE7 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 P0AE7
- Vehicle may not start or become ready
- MIL and hybrid warning on
- Possible additional stuck-closed code P0AE2
Common causes of P0AE7
- Most likelyControl wire shorted to 12 V supply
- PossibleDriver stage stuck on in the battery controller
- Less likelyOutdated battery controller calibration
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 P0AE7 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. |
| E7 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AE7 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 P0AE7
What does P0AE7 mean?
P0AE7 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor A Control Circuit High". P0AE7 is stored when the control line of precharge contactor A carries too much voltage for its commanded state, typically a short to the 12 V supply. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AE7?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AE7 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AE7 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AE7 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 P0AE7 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AE7 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.