P0C72 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E/F Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C72 means
P0C72 is the agreement test between battery temperature sensors E and F. The controller stores it when the two readings stay apart by more than a calibrated margin after the pack has had time to even out. No manufacturer documents P0C72 publicly; GM names the matching single-sensor plausibility codes P0BC3 (sensor 5) and P0C34 (sensor 6) and compares each with the pack average, Type B. On the Chevrolet Volt GM traced false sensor codes, together with a battery-too-cold message above -25 °C, to module software and cured them by reprogramming (18-NA-342), so a software check comes before any pack work. If the fault is real, a drifting thermistor, a sensor that lost contact with its module or uneven coolant flow are typical. Battery power is then limited. The D/E pair is P0C71.
P0C72 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0C72
- Hybrid or EV system warning lamp
- Battery-too-cold or similar message although it is not very cold
- Reduced electric power and range
Common causes of P0C72
- Most likelyThermistor E or F drifted without an electrical fault
- PossibleBattery module software that reports sensor faults falsely, fixed by reprogramming
- PossibleSensor detached from its cell group
- Less likelyUneven coolant or air flow through the pack
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 eHv battery temp sensor fBms
What each part of P0C72 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. |
| 72 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C72 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 P0C72
What does P0C72 mean?
P0C72 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor E/F Correlation". P0C72 is the agreement test between battery temperature sensors E and F. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C72?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C72 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C72 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C72 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 P0C72 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C72 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.