P0D29 code meaning
Battery Charger Input Current Too Low
What P0D29 means
P0D29 is set when the on-board charger draws less AC current than expected for the power it was asked to deliver, while voltage and charging permission are present. No manufacturer documents P0D29 publicly. Related tests show how such a check is built: GM's Volt compares the AC input current with fixed limits for the high side (P0D2A), and Mitsubishi first verifies that the input current sensor reads plausibly before trusting it (P0D39). A low current with normal voltage points to a charger that does not ramp up, high resistance at the inlet or cable, an EVSE that limits current, or a measurement fault. CARB requires charger faults that limit the charging rate to be detected. Charging is slower than usual or stops. Too much current is P0D2A, voltage problems P0D27/P0D28.
P0D29 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D29
- AC charging much slower than usual
- Charging stops or charging system warning
Common causes of P0D29
- PossibleCharger power stage not ramping up
- PossibleHigh resistance at the charge inlet, cable or plug contacts
- Less likelyInput current sensor reading too low
- Less likelyCharging station or cable limiting current more than signalled
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery chargerAc input circuit
What each part of P0D29 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 29 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D29 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 P0D29
What does P0D29 mean?
P0D29 means "Battery Charger Input Current Too Low". P0D29 is set when the on-board charger draws less AC current than expected for the power it was asked to deliver, while voltage and charging permission are present. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D29?
P0D29 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D29 fail an emissions test?
P0D29 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 P0D29 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D29 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.