P0BC5 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BC5 means
P0BC5 reports that battery temperature sensor E delivers a voltage above its valid range. With GM's NTC sensors that reads as extreme cold, pointing to an open wire, a backed-out pin at the sensing board or a cracked thermistor. GM's 2016 table sets it below -69 °C in 8 of 10 samples, the 2011 Volt table and GM's 2019 battery module table below -40 °C for 1.4 s within 2 s, and the eAssist mild hybrid above 4.63 V, about -45 °C, in 7 of 10 samples; all Type B, two trips. On the Chevrolet Volt, bulletin 18-NA-342 links these codes to a Battery Too Cold message at ambient temperatures above -25 °C and prescribes reprogramming. Its counterpart is P0BC4. A pack the controller believes frozen gets strict charge and power limits.
P0BC5 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 P0BC5
- MIL on after two trips
- Battery too cold, plug in to warm message
- Very limited power or charging
Common causes of P0BC5
- Most likelyOpen sensor E wire or backed-out pin at the sensing board
- PossibleCracked or open thermistor E
- Less likelyModule software misreading in the cold (GM Volt, reprogramming)
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 eWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0BC5 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. |
| C5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BC5 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 P0BC5
What does P0BC5 mean?
P0BC5 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E Circuit High". P0BC5 reports that battery temperature sensor E delivers a voltage above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BC5?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BC5 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BC5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BC5 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 P0BC5 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BC5 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.