P0D45 code meaning
Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Voltage Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D45 means
P0D45 is stored when the charger's 14 V output voltage sensor reads too high. GM's battery charger control module in the Volt and ELR fails it at a reading of 16.88 V or above for 400 of 500 ms; the 2011 table rates it Type A, the 2014 table Type B, meaning the MIL comes on only after two consecutive trips. That value lies above the normal regulation band of a 12 V system, so either a genuine overvoltage at the output or a sensor reading stuck high is possible. The low counterpart is P0D44, and the plausibility check P0D43 pauses while either code is active. As with its siblings, the fault sits in the charger's own low-voltage stage rather than in the car's main DC/DC converter.
P0D45 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D45
- MIL on (GM, after two trips in later model years)
- Charging may stop
Common causes of P0D45
- Most likelyVoltage sense signal shorted to a higher potential inside the charger
- PossibleCharger low-voltage stage regulating too high
- Less likelyCharger 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 14v output voltage sensorOn board charger
What each part of P0D45 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 45 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D45 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 P0D45
What does P0D45 mean?
P0D45 means "Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Voltage Sensor Circuit High". P0D45 is stored when the charger's 14 V output voltage sensor reads too high. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D45?
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 P0D45 fail an emissions test?
P0D45 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 P0D45 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D45 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.