P0C97 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor L Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C97 means
P0C97 is the catch-all for battery temperature sensor L, used when the input misbehaves electrically but fits none of the low, high or erratic categories. No manufacturer publishes this exact code. GM's 2011 hybrid table counts L as temperature sensor 12 of sixteen, and its 2012 and later tables cover L only with P0C98 to P0C9B. Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV DTC list goes from sensor [10] (P0C93 to P0C95) straight to sensor [12] (P0CA9 onward), so it uses no L codes at all. CARB paragraph (e)(15.3.1) demands constant supervision of plausibility and circuit integrity for inputs like this. A pack controller that loses sensor L assumes a worst-case temperature for that section and reduces available power until the fault is repaired.
P0C97 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 P0C97
- Hybrid or EV warning, possibly with check-engine lamp
- Limited battery power
Common causes of P0C97
- Most likelyConnector fault between sensor L and the monitoring board
- PossibleThermistor L defective
- Less likelyFaulty measuring channel on the monitoring board
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 lWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0C97 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. |
| 97 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C97 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 P0C97
What does P0C97 mean?
P0C97 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor L Circuit". P0C97 is the catch-all for battery temperature sensor L, used when the input misbehaves electrically but fits none of the low, high or erratic categories. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C97?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C97 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C97 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C97 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 P0C97 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C97 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.