P0AEA code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor D Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AEA means
P0AEA means the voltage of battery temperature sensor D is below its valid range. GM uses NTC thermistors with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a low voltage reads as an extremely hot cell, usually from a short to ground. Thresholds vary: above 160 °C in 8 of 10 samples in the 2016 and 2019 tables; above 95 °C in 30 of 40 on the 2011 and 2013 two-mode hybrids; below 0.3 V, about 90 °C, in 7 of 10 in the eAssist table 13OBDG05C; above 87.5 °C for 1.4 s within 2 s in a 2018 controller. All are Type B, two trips. Volt bulletin 18-NA-342 lists P0AEA among codes that can set falsely and calls for a software update first. A genuinely hot pack would trip lower limits earlier, so treat it as electrical.
P0AEA 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 P0AEA
- Malfunction indicator lamp after two trips
- Charge and drive power strongly limited
- Battery cooling running more than usual
Common causes of P0AEA
- Most likelySensor D signal wire shorted to ground
- PossibleTemperature sensor D internally shorted
- PossibleOutdated controller software (GM Volt, bulletin 18-NA-342)
- Less likelyMoisture or damage on the battery sensing board
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 dWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0AEA 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. |
| EA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AEA 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 P0AEA
What does P0AEA mean?
P0AEA means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor D Circuit Low". P0AEA means the voltage of battery temperature sensor D is below its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AEA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AEA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AEA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AEA 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 P0AEA to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AEA 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.