P0D49 code meaning
Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Current Sensor Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D49 means
P0D49 reports that the current sensor in the charger's 14 V output reads too low. GM's battery charger control module in the 2011-2014 Volt and the ELR sets it when the raw current value is 0.293 A or less for 400 of 500 ms while the low-voltage section is awake, as a Type A fault with MIL; the 2016 ELR charger table also lists it as a precondition for its output power checks. GM treats a value at this level as a sensor fault, which points to an open or grounded sense path or failed measuring electronics. The high counterpart is P0D4A. This output is a low-voltage stage inside the charger, not the Volt's separate accessory power module. Charging behaviour can be affected; driving normally is not.
P0D49 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 P0D49
- MIL on (GM)
- Charging may fail
Common causes of P0D49
- Most likelyOpen or grounded current sense path inside the charger
- PossibleFailed low-voltage stage of the on-board charger
- Less likely12 V supply or fuse of the charger interrupted
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 current sensorOn board charger
What each part of P0D49 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 49 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D49 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 P0D49
What does P0D49 mean?
P0D49 means "Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Current Sensor Circuit Low". P0D49 reports that the current sensor in the charger's 14 V output reads too low. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D49?
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 P0D49 fail an emissions test?
P0D49 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 P0D49 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D49 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.