P0B16 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense B Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0B16 means
P0B16 sets when pack voltage measurement B reports a value below its plausible minimum, usually an electrical cause such as a sense lead shorted to ground or an open input that pulls the reading down. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM uses the same logic on channel A: on its BECM P0ABC sets when the pack-side voltage drops below 24 V for 1.6 s within a 2 s window, Type A, one trip. CARB requires out-of-range monitoring of battery voltage sensors in hybrid storage systems. The opposite fault is P0B17, implausible but in-range values are P0B15. Without a trustworthy pack voltage the controller may refuse to close the contactors or limit operation.
P0B16 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0B16
- MIL and hybrid/EV system warning on
- Vehicle may not reach Ready or may shut down the high-voltage system
- Battery power limited, reduced electric drive or assist
Common causes of P0B16
- Most likelySense lead of channel B shorted to ground
- PossibleFuse or resistor in the sense path open
- PossibleMeasurement input of 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 pack voltage sense bWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0B16 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| B | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0B16 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 P0B16
What does P0B16 mean?
P0B16 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense B Circuit Low". P0B16 sets when pack voltage measurement B reports a value below its plausible minimum, usually an electrical cause such as a sense lead shorted to ground or an open input that pulls the reading down. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0B16?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0B16 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0B16 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0B16 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 P0B16 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0B16 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.