P0B86 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense P Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0B86 means
P0B86 belongs to channel P, the sixteenth sense lead, and indicates that this lead has lost its connection to the cell. Comparing GM's tables shows how the timing evolved: the 2016 Volt battery controller decides within 0.6 s, the 2019 version waits 0.8 s in a 1.6 s window; both use the 1.3 V adjacent-cell, 36 mV balancing gate and splice criteria and are Type A. GM's 2016 program with a separate sense module measures the sense line resistance instead, failing above 30.00 in 7 of 9 samples. On the BAS Plus mild hybrid the code is Type B after 7 of 10 samples showing lines N and N-1 below 1.4 V with a step over 0.5 V. Ford's public bulletins do not list P0B86. The pack usually has to come out for repair.
P0B86 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0B86
- MIL and hybrid system fault message
- Vehicle runs only on the engine or with reduced power
Common causes of P0B86
- Most likelySense lead P open at the cell tap or connector
- PossibleExcessive resistance in the sense line (corrosion, loose screw)
- Less likelyDefective input of the sense module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery voltage sense pWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0B86 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. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0B86 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 P0B86
What does P0B86 mean?
P0B86 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense P Circuit". P0B86 belongs to channel P, the sixteenth sense lead, and indicates that this lead has lost its connection to the cell. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0B86?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0B86 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0B86 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0B86 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 P0B86 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0B86 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.