P0CB0 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CB0 means
P0CB0 reports a sensor N input above its upper voltage limit, which a pack controller reads as an unrealistically cold module. The NTC sensor is biased by a pull-up resistor, so any interruption in the element, its leads or its plug makes the input rise. GM's 2018 HPC2 table 18OBDG02 lists P0CB0 by name as sensor N circuit high and fails it when 8 of 10 readings at 100 ms are below −69 °C, Type B, two trips; the 2016 table 16OBDG02 uses the same limit and blocks the test while U179C is set. Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV DTC chart names it the open circuit of sensor [13], judged above 3.97 V, below about −62 °C, for 2 s. Assuming a frozen pack, the controller cuts electric power and plug-ins may switch on heating or the engine. Shorts are covered by P0CAF.
P0CB0 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 P0CB0
- Battery reported as far too cold in mild conditions
- Less electric range or power, engine starting more often
Common causes of P0CB0
- Most likelyOpen lead or disconnected plug of sensor N
- PossibleThermistor N open internally
- Less likelyCorroded terminal at 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 nWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0CB0 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. |
| B0 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CB0 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 P0CB0
What does P0CB0 mean?
P0CB0 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit High". P0CB0 reports a sensor N input above its upper voltage limit, which a pack controller reads as an unrealistically cold module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CB0?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CB0 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CB0 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CB0 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 P0CB0 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CB0 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.