P0C94 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor K Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C94 means
With P0C94 the controller sees the sensor K signal pulled below its lower limit, a pattern produced by a chafed wire touching ground or an internally shorted thermistor, which the conversion turns into an extreme temperature. GM's 2016 table 16OBDG02 counts a failure whenever the converted value is hotter than 160 °C and needs 8 such readings out of 10, one every 100 ms, Type B; in the 2012 Volt table the same sensor group passes only at or below 87.5 °C. The 2018 Outlander PHEV from Mitsubishi files a short of sensor [10] when the voltage stays below 0.12 V for 2 s. Unlike with the over-temperature code P0A7E, the pack itself is usually not hot. The battery controller nonetheless limits power and may keep the cooling busy; the open-circuit partner is P0C95.
P0C94 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 P0C94
- Warning lamp and reduced electric power
- Battery cooling running although the pack is not hot
Common causes of P0C94
- Most likelySensor K signal line shorted to ground
- PossibleThermistor K shorted internally
- Less likelyMoisture or coolant reaching the sensor K connection
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 kWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0C94 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. |
| 94 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C94 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 P0C94
What does P0C94 mean?
P0C94 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor K Circuit Low". With P0C94 the controller sees the sensor K signal pulled below its lower limit, a pattern produced by a chafed wire touching ground or an internally shorted thermistor, which the conversion turns into an extreme temperature. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C94?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C94 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C94 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C94 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 P0C94 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C94 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.