P0C90 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C90 means
P0C90 reports the opposite case: sensor J reads above its voltage window, which with a pull-up circuit points to an open thermistor, a broken lead or a disconnected plug, and the controller sees an impossibly cold module. In GM's 2016 and 2019 tables (16OBDG02, 19OBDG02) a converted value colder than −69 °C in 8 out of 10 readings, one every 100 ms, fails the test; it is Type B, so the lamp waits for the second bad trip, and it runs only above 10.2 V with communication intact. For sensor [09] of the 2018 Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi records an open when more than 3.97 V, below −62 °C, persists for 2 s. Because the battery seems frozen, the system may limit power, keep the engine running or ask for warming on a plug-in. P0C8F is the short-circuit counterpart.
P0C90 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 P0C90
- Battery-too-cold message although the weather is mild
- Little or no electric drive power
- Battery heater switching on without need
Common causes of P0C90
- Most likelyOpen lead or unplugged connector at sensor J
- PossibleThermistor J open internally
- Less likelyTerminal pushed back in the monitoring board plug
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 jWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0C90 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. |
| 90 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C90 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 P0C90
What does P0C90 mean?
P0C90 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor J Circuit High". P0C90 reports the opposite case: sensor J reads above its voltage window, which with a pull-up circuit points to an open thermistor, a broken lead or a disconnected plug, and the controller sees an impossibly cold module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C90?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C90 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C90 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C90 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 P0C90 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C90 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.