P0B98 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense S Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0B98 means
P0B98 marks a sense S value that is too high to be a cell voltage. The thresholds vary with the battery chemistry and controller: GM's 2016 Volt and 2019 battery controllers flag 4.8 V or more after 1.4 s in 2 s (Type A), the 16OBDG02 programme 4.90 V in 14 of 18 samples (Type A), and the eAssist mild hybrid more than 4.65 V in 7 of 10 samples with the 12 V supply above 8.8 V (Type B). On the 2012 two-mode trucks S is NiMH block 19 and its limit is 23 V, 15 of 20 samples, Type B. Like the low test, the high test waits until open sense line faults are ruled out. The fix is usually wiring or the monitoring board; a truly overcharged cell is rare but must be excluded.
P0B98 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0B98
- MIL and service hybrid system message
- Charging and regeneration limited
Common causes of P0B98
- Most likelySense lead S shorted to a higher cell or busbar
- PossibleMeasuring chip reading channel S incorrectly
- Less likelyReal overvoltage of the cell or block on channel S
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 sWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0B98 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. |
| 98 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0B98 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 P0B98
What does P0B98 mean?
P0B98 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense S Circuit High". P0B98 marks a sense S value that is too high to be a cell voltage. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0B98?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0B98 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0B98 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0B98 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 P0B98 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0B98 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.