P0D23 code meaning
Battery Charger A Output Shorted
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D23 means
P0D23 points to a short on the high-voltage output side of the on-board charger. GM runs this check while the charger contactor is only in its precharge state and the multi-purpose contactor is open, a moment when almost no current should flow on the charger bus. If more than 0.35 A is measured there in four of five samples at 100 ms, with system voltage above 9 V or 10.2 V, the code is set as One Trip Type A in the Chevrolet Volt from 2011 and the Cadillac ELR up to 2016. The test is skipped while output current sensor faults are active or while thermal conditioning runs. A current at that stage suggests an internal short in the charger output, a damaged high-voltage cable or a stuck contactor path. Charging is blocked. Current deviations during normal charging are P0D22.
P0D23 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 P0D23
- Charging refused immediately after plugging in
- MIL on at once
Common causes of P0D23
- Most likelyInternal short in the charger's high-voltage output stage
- PossibleDamaged high-voltage cable between charger and battery
- Less likelyCharging contactor path conducting when it should not
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger aWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0D23 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 23 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D23 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 P0D23
What does P0D23 mean?
P0D23 means "Battery Charger A Output Shorted". P0D23 points to a short on the high-voltage output side of the on-board charger. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D23?
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 P0D23 fail an emissions test?
P0D23 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 P0D23 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D23 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.