P0D11 code meaning
Battery Charging System Negative Contactor A Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D11 means
P0D11 is the open-circuit and driver check for negative charging contactor A. GM uses it on the Chevrolet Volt (2011, 2014) and the Cadillac ELR: the module compares the commanded driver state with what the line shows; with the driver off, an output above 4 V (2011: 2 V) means open and one close to supply voltage a short to power, and with the driver on a coil current below 57 mA is judged open as well. 40 failing samples out of 50 at 12.5 ms set it as Type A, MIL after one trip; the status of the charging HVIL source is part of the enable conditions. As on the positive side, a short to ground lies outside this test. The positive counterpart is P0D0A, plausibility, low and high are P0D12–P0D14. The vehicle will not charge.
P0D11 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 P0D11
- Malfunction indicator lamp after one trip (GM Type A)
- Vehicle does not charge
Common causes of P0D11
- Most likelyOpen or high-resistance coil control wire or connector
- PossibleContactor coil open
- Less likelyControl wire shorted to a supply voltage
- Less likelyFaulty driver stage 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 neg contactor aWiring harnessBmsHybrid control module
What each part of P0D11 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 11 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D11 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 P0D11
What does P0D11 mean?
P0D11 means "Battery Charging System Negative Contactor A Control Circuit/Open". P0D11 is the open-circuit and driver check for negative charging contactor A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D11?
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 P0D11 fail an emissions test?
P0D11 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 P0D11 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D11 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.