P0D51 code meaning
Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit
What P0D51 means
P0D51 covers a circuit fault of the sensor that measures the direct current the on-board charger pushes into the traction battery. No manufacturer documents P0D51 itself. GM's charger module for the Volt and ELR and Mitsubishi's Outlander PHEV use the low and high codes P0D53 and P0D54 for electrical faults of this sensor, and Mitsubishi adds P0D52 for an offset check. Without a usable current value the charger can neither regulate charging current nor prove that its output power matches its input, a check GM performs under P0D5C. CARB obliges plug-in hybrids to detect charger malfunctions that prevent or slow charging. Expect AC charging to be blocked while the vehicle itself keeps driving.
P0D51 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- 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 P0D51
- AC charging does not start
- Charging system warning shown
- Driving not affected
Common causes of P0D51
- Most likelyCurrent sensor or its evaluation circuit in the charger failed
- PossibleOpen signal path between sensor and charger controller
- Less likelyCharger software fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger hv output current sensorOn board charger
What each part of P0D51 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 51 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D51 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 P0D51
What does P0D51 mean?
P0D51 means "Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Current Sensor Circuit". P0D51 covers a circuit fault of the sensor that measures the direct current the on-board charger pushes into the traction battery. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D51?
P0D51 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D51 fail an emissions test?
P0D51 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 P0D51 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D51 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.