P0CF9 code meaning
Control Pilot Charging Switch A Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CF9 means
Charging switch A is the vehicle-side switch that adds a resistor across the pilot to tell the charging station that the car is ready to take current. P0CF9 says the effect of that switch is implausible. GM documents the check for the Chevrolet Volt 2011-2019 (VICM/HPC2): with the cord unplugged, the controller closes its diagnostic switch together with the charging switch and expects the ratio of pilot voltage to battery voltage between 0.14 and 0.28; outside that band in 30 of 50 samples at 100 ms the code sets, Type A, MIL after one trip. The test only runs once the pilot circuit check has passed in the same key cycle, and it comes before the ventilation switch test P0D01. Opens and shorts of the switch are P0CF8, P0CFA and P0CFB. A car with this fault may be recognised but not charge.
P0CF9 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0CF9
- Malfunction indicator lamp on (GM Type A)
- Charging does not start or is refused
Common causes of P0CF9
- PossibleCharging switch resistor branch out of tolerance or switch with high contact resistance
- PossibleInternal fault in the VICM/charging module measuring or switching circuit
- Less likelyLeakage on the pilot line from moisture in the charge inlet
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Control pilot switch aWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P0CF9 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. |
| F9 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CF9 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 P0CF9
What does P0CF9 mean?
P0CF9 means "Control Pilot Charging Switch A Range/Performance". Charging switch A is the vehicle-side switch that adds a resistor across the pilot to tell the charging station that the car is ready to take current. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CF9?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0CF9 fail an emissions test?
P0CF9 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0CF9 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CF9 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.