P0C98 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor L Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C98 means
P0C98 is the plausibility code for sensor L: its reading is electrically valid but strays too far from the other sensors. GM's table for the 2012 Volt (12OBDG01A) runs the comparison only after more than 21,600 s with propulsion, off-board charging and thermal conditioning all off; a deviation over 25.3 °C, seen in 50 of 67 samples, counts as a Type B failure. In 19OBDG02 from 2019 the limit becomes 25.00 °C with sampling every 25 ms and the same count, and the test pauses while circuit codes for the battery sensors or a lost link to the battery controller are present. Mitsubishi does not use this code. Sensor drift or a detached sensor are the common reasons; P0C99 and P0C9A cover electrical failures.
P0C98 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 P0C98
- Warning lamp after a long standstill
- Reduced battery power
Common causes of P0C98
- Most likelyThermistor L drifted within its electrical range
- PossibleSensor L no longer in thermal contact with its cells
- Less likelyGenuine local temperature difference in that pack section
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 P0C98 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. |
| 98 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C98 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 P0C98
What does P0C98 mean?
P0C98 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor L Circuit Range/Performance". P0C98 is the plausibility code for sensor L: its reading is electrically valid but strays too far from the other sensors. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C98?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C98 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C98 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C98 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 P0C98 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C98 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.