P0C86 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor F/G Correlation
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C86 means
P0C86 compares the neighbouring battery temperature sensors F and G with each other. After the pack has rested, both should settle to nearly the same value; a persistent gap means at least one reads wrong although neither circuit is open or shorted. No manufacturer documents P0C86 publicly. GM and Mitsubishi test plausibility against the pack average instead and store the single sensor: GM's 2019 table 19OBDG02 uses a 25 °C margin for P0C34 (sensor 6) and P0C7D (sensor 7), Mitsubishi's 2018 Outlander PHEV 13 °C after 3,600 s soak. CARB lets manufacturers define the rationality checks for such inputs. If a real gap shows, uneven cooling between the two module groups deserves a look. The E/F pair is P0C72, G/H is P0C87.
P0C86 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 P0C86
- Hybrid or EV warning lamp
- Somewhat reduced battery power
- Sensors F and G far apart in live data after a cold soak
Common causes of P0C86
- Most likelyThermistor F or G drifted without an electrical fault
- PossibleSensor F or G no longer in contact with its module
- PossibleReal temperature difference between the two module groups
- Less likelyBattery management calibration with an overly narrow window
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 fHv battery temp sensor gBms
What each part of P0C86 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. |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C86 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 P0C86
What does P0C86 mean?
P0C86 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor F/G Correlation". P0C86 compares the neighbouring battery temperature sensors F and G with each other. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C86?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C86 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C86 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C86 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 P0C86 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C86 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.