P0D0A code meaning
Battery Charging System Positive Contactor A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D0A means
P0D0A covers the drive circuit of positive charging contactor A: the module compares the commanded state of its driver with the voltage and current it actually sees on the coil line. GM spells this out for the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR: with the driver off, an output above 4 V means an open line and one close to supply voltage a short to power; with the driver on, coil current below 57 mA (Volt 2019: 194 mA) also counts as open. 40 of 50 samples at 12.5 ms set the code. The 2011 and 2014 Volt and the ELR rate it Type A, the 2016 and 2019 Volt Type B with MIL after two trips. GM adds that the test cannot see a short to ground. Range/performance, low and high are P0D0B–P0D0D. Without a working contactor the car will not charge.
P0D0A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D0A
- Malfunction indicator lamp (GM Type A or B)
- Vehicle does not charge
Common causes of P0D0A
- Most likelyOpen or high-resistance coil control wire or connector
- PossibleContactor coil open
- Less likelyControl wire shorted to a supply voltage
- Less likelyFaulty high-side driver in the control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Bcs pos contactor aWiring harnessBmsHybrid control module
What each part of P0D0A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D0A 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 P0D0A
What does P0D0A mean?
P0D0A means "Battery Charging System Positive Contactor A Control Circuit/Open". P0D0A covers the drive circuit of positive charging contactor A: the module compares the commanded state of its driver with the voltage and current it actually sees on the coil line. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D0A?
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 P0D0A fail an emissions test?
P0D0A 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 P0D0A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D0A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.