P0D26 code meaning
Battery Charger System Precharge Time Too Long
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D26 means
P0D26 means the charger's high-voltage bus did not come up to battery voltage within the allowed precharge time. GM's Volt 2011 to 2015 and ELR 2014 to 2016 require the bus to sit within 5 % of pack voltage for 0.25 s before 10 s have passed; the 2016 and 2017 Volt allow only 0.700 s to reach 95 % (later 95 to 105 %); all are One Trip Type A. Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV looks at the charger's own capacitor, which must charge to 120 or 240 V within 45 s, otherwise charging stops. Bulletin PIP4905E links P0D26 on the Volt and ELR to no charging and asks for HPCM2 software, then a check of the proximity signal and charge port for water or corrosion; on the Bolt EV (18-NA-225) it comes with P0C78 when the fuse in the manual disconnect has opened. The main battery precharge is P0C78.
P0D26 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D26
- Vehicle does not charge on 120 V or 240 V
- MIL on at once
- With a blown disconnect fuse, loss of propulsion
Common causes of P0D26
- PossibleOpen precharge resistor, fuse or contactor in the precharge path
- PossibleBlown fuse in the manual service disconnect (Bolt EV bulletin)
- PossibleErratic proximity signal from a wet or corroded charge port
- Less likelyOutdated hybrid control module software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger precharge circuitDc link capacitor
What each part of P0D26 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 26 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D26 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 P0D26
What does P0D26 mean?
P0D26 means "Battery Charger System Precharge Time Too Long". P0D26 means the charger's high-voltage bus did not come up to battery voltage within the allowed precharge time. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D26?
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 P0D26 fail an emissions test?
P0D26 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 P0D26 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D26 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.