P0CFA code meaning
Control Pilot Charging Switch A Circuit Low
What P0CFA means
Charging switch A shifts the control pilot from the connected state at about 9 V to the charge-request state at about 6 V by switching in an extra 1.3 kΩ path. P0CFA indicates that the control or feedback line of this switch reads too low, typically a harness wire touching ground or a driver stage in the charging module that has failed shorted. No manufacturer documents this code publicly; CARB requires hybrids and plug-ins to monitor the charging system, and GM's Chevrolet Volt checks the same switch only indirectly through P0CF9 by measuring the pilot voltage it causes in a self-test. Depending on the design, a grounded control line can hold the switch permanently closed or permanently open. The high-side fault is P0CFB, the open circuit P0CF8. Charging may then start unexpectedly or not at all.
P0CFA at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0CFA
- Charging does not start, or starts as soon as the plug is inserted
- Charging fault message in the cluster
Common causes of P0CFA
- Most likelySwitch control or feedback wire shorted to ground
- PossibleShorted driver stage in the charging control module
- Less likelyCorrosion in the inlet or module connector bridging to ground
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 P0CFA 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. |
| FA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CFA 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 P0CFA
What does P0CFA mean?
P0CFA means "Control Pilot Charging Switch A Circuit Low". Charging switch A shifts the control pilot from the connected state at about 9 V to the charge-request state at about 6 V by switching in an extra 1.3 kΩ path. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CFA?
P0CFA does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0CFA fail an emissions test?
P0CFA 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 P0CFA to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CFA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.