P0BC6 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BC6 means
P0BC6 flags erratic behaviour of battery temperature sensor E: the reading jumps far faster than the heavy battery mass could warm or cool. GM documents the method in its 2016 and 2018 hybrid tables (16OBDG02, 18OBDG02). Sampling every 100 ms, the controller adds up the absolute changes of the sensor value over a 10-sample window; a sum above 10 fails the window, and 4 failed windows out of 5 store the code as Type B, two trips, provided system voltage is above 10.2 V. The same logic covers the other pack sensors. The older Volt, Two-Mode and eAssist tables list no erratic code for sensor E. Typical culprits are a loose terminal, a cracked wire or a connector not fully latched after pack work; if several sensors jump at once, suspect the sensing board.
P0BC6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0BC6
- MIL on after two trips
- Sensor E value jumping on the scan tool
- Occasional power reduction
Common causes of P0BC6
- Most likelyLoose terminal or unlatched connector of sensor E
- PossibleCracked or chafed sensor wire breaking contact intermittently
- Less likelySensing board fault affecting several temperature inputs
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 P0BC6 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. |
| C6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BC6 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 P0BC6
What does P0BC6 mean?
P0BC6 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0BC6 flags erratic behaviour of battery temperature sensor E: the reading jumps far faster than the heavy battery mass could warm or cool. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BC6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BC6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BC6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BC6 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 P0BC6 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BC6 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.