P0D16 code meaning
Battery Charging System A High Voltage Interlock Circuit Performance
What P0D16 means
P0D16 flags a charging interlock loop that delivers a signal, just not the one expected – for example a reading that fails to follow when the module switches its test source on and off. No manufacturer documents P0D16 publicly. GM's Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR show how such a loop is checked: the module feeds 5 V into the charging HVIL and compares the sensed level, as a share of the reference, against limits with the source on and off, which leads to P0D17 or P0D18. A Ford patent explains interlock loops built from shorting bars in connectors. Contact resistance in a connector, a plug inserted only partway and corrosion are typical. Open loops are P0D15, sporadic faults P0D19, the drive-side counterpart P0A0B. Charging is usually blocked.
P0D16 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 P0D16
- Charging refused
- Charging system warning
Common causes of P0D16
- Most likelyContact resistance or corrosion in an interlock connector
- PossibleHV connector in the charging path inserted only partway
- Less likelyFault in the module's interlock source or measuring stage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Bcs a hv interlockWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P0D16 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D16 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 P0D16
What does P0D16 mean?
P0D16 means "Battery Charging System A High Voltage Interlock Circuit Performance". P0D16 flags a charging interlock loop that delivers a signal, just not the one expected – for example a reading that fails to follow when the module switches its test source on and off. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D16?
P0D16 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D16 fail an emissions test?
P0D16 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 P0D16 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D16 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.