P0D0C code meaning
Battery Charging System Positive Contactor A Control Circuit Low
What P0D0C means
P0D0C stands for a control line of positive charging contactor A that reads too low, usually a short to ground or a driver output pulled down. When the coil is fed through a high-side driver, a grounded line leaves the contactor without power or overloads the driver. No manufacturer documents P0D0C publicly. GM states that its own Volt check for this contactor, P0D0A, cannot detect a short to ground, so the documented tests do not cover this case; CARB requires the charging system of plug-in vehicles to be monitored. Chafed harness sections near the battery or charge inlet and water in connectors are the usual causes. High readings are P0D0D, opens P0D0A, the negative side P0D13. The typical result is a charging session that will not start.
P0D0C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- 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 P0D0C
- Charging does not start
- Charging system warning
Common causes of P0D0C
- Most likelyControl wire chafed through and shorted to ground
- PossibleMoisture in a connector creating a path to ground
- Less likelyShorted contactor coil
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 harnessBms
What each part of P0D0C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D0C 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 P0D0C
What does P0D0C mean?
P0D0C means "Battery Charging System Positive Contactor A Control Circuit Low". P0D0C stands for a control line of positive charging contactor A that reads too low, usually a short to ground or a driver output pulled down. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D0C?
P0D0C does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D0C fail an emissions test?
P0D0C 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 P0D0C to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D0C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.