P0C96 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor K Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C96 means
P0C96 flags an unsteady sensor K signal, the kind of noise a loose contact produces while the value still sits inside its valid band. GM describes the monitor in 16OBDG02 and 18OBDG02: each 100 ms sample adds to a running total of absolute changes across 10 samples, a total above 10 marks the window as failed, and 4 failed windows in 5 store the code, Type B, so two bad trips are needed. Supply over 10.2 V and intact communication with the battery interface module are prerequisites. Mitsubishi defines no erratic code for its sensor [10]. Moving the harness by hand while a scan tool shows the value often reveals the cause. P0C94 and P0C95 cover faults where the signal stays out of range.
P0C96 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 P0C96
- Intermittent warning lamp
- Short spells of reduced power
Common causes of P0C96
- Most likelyLoose contact in the sensor K connector
- PossiblePartly chafed sensor lead touching intermittently
- Less likelyMonitoring board with unstable supply or ground
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 P0C96 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. |
| 96 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C96 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 P0C96
What does P0C96 mean?
P0C96 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor K Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0C96 flags an unsteady sensor K signal, the kind of noise a loose contact produces while the value still sits inside its valid band. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C96?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C96 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C96 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C96 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 P0C96 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C96 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.