P0C33 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor F Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C33 means
Battery temperature sensor F is the sixth thermistor in the high-voltage pack; GM's Volt bulletin 18-NA-342 lists the F codes under temperature sensor 6 of nine. P0C33 is the general circuit code for an electrical fault the controller does not classify as low, high or erratic. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly: GM's hybrid tables use only the more specific siblings P0C34 to P0C37. CARB requires battery temperature sensors to be monitored for circuit faults and, where possible, separate codes that point to the smallest replaceable part. With one temperature missing the controller has to assume the worst and limits charge and discharge power. The sensor sits inside the pack, so checks need high-voltage safety procedures.
P0C33 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 P0C33
- Hybrid or EV system warning and MIL
- Reduced power or charging rate
- Battery cooling running more than usual
Common causes of P0C33
- Most likelyLoose or corroded connector of sensor F at the sensing board
- PossibleFailed thermistor F
- Less likelyFaulty input on the battery sensing board or module
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 fWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0C33 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C33 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 P0C33
What does P0C33 mean?
P0C33 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor F Circuit". Battery temperature sensor F is the sixth thermistor in the high-voltage pack; GM's Volt bulletin 18-NA-342 lists the F codes under temperature sensor 6 of nine. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C33?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C33 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C33 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C33 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 P0C33 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C33 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.