P0CB8 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor P Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CB8 means
P0CB8 flags sensor P as implausible: its value is electrically fine, but after a long rest it disagrees with the temperature of the other modules. GM runs this comparison in the 2012 Volt table 12OBDG01A only when drive system, external charging and battery conditioning have rested for over 21,600 s, so the whole pack should have settled; 50 of 67 samples more than 25.3 °C from the average give a Type B fault. In the HPC2 table 18OBDG02 the limit is 25.00 °C, sampled every 25 ms for about 1.7 s, and the check is held back by circuit or erratic faults and by lost communication. Mitsubishi uses P0CB8 for module sensor [15] of the Outlander PHEV with a 13 °C limit over 0.32 s after more than 3,600 s soak. Comparing all sensors in live data after an overnight stand shows the outlier.
P0CB8 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 P0CB8
- Warning appearing at the first drive after a long stand
- Battery output restricted
Common causes of P0CB8
- Most likelyThermistor P drifted out of calibration
- PossibleSensor P detached from its module surface
- Less likelyReal temperature difference of that module, e.g. faulty cell
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 pWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0CB8 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. |
| B8 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CB8 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 P0CB8
What does P0CB8 mean?
P0CB8 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor P Circuit Range/Performance". P0CB8 flags sensor P as implausible: its value is electrically fine, but after a long rest it disagrees with the temperature of the other modules. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CB8?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CB8 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CB8 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CB8 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 P0CB8 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CB8 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.