P0CB3 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor O Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CB3 means
P0CB3 is a plausibility code: sensor O delivers an electrically valid reading, yet it strays too far from the rest of the pack. In GM's 2012 Volt table 12OBDG01A the check waits until propulsion, plug-in charging and battery thermal conditioning have all been off for more than 21,600 s; a gap above 25.3 °C to the average in 50 of 67 samples then counts as a Type B failure. The HPC2 tables 18OBDG02 and 19OBDG02 use 25.00 °C, sample every 25 ms and pause while sensor circuit faults or a communication loss with the battery electronics are present. Mitsubishi assigns P0CB3 to module sensor [14] of the Outlander PHEV and fails it at a deviation of 13 °C or more held for 0.32 s, after a soak above 3,600 s and with the pack between −30 and 60 °C.
P0CB3 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 P0CB3
- Warning lamp typically appearing after the car has stood for hours
- Battery power limited
Common causes of P0CB3
- Most likelyThermistor O drifting while its voltage stays in range
- PossibleSensor O no longer seated firmly against its module
- Less likelyModule section really warmer or colder, e.g. weak cell or uneven cooling
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 oWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0CB3 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. |
| B3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CB3 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 P0CB3
What does P0CB3 mean?
P0CB3 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor O Circuit Range/Performance". P0CB3 is a plausibility code: sensor O delivers an electrically valid reading, yet it strays too far from the rest of the pack. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CB3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CB3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CB3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CB3 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 P0CB3 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CB3 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.