P0D59 code meaning
Proximity Detection Circuit A High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D59 means
P0D59 is logged when proximity circuit A shows a voltage above its expected resting level at a moment when the charge port must be empty. GM's Volt uses the same plausibility window as for P0D58 but trips above 4.8 V: in 2011 with the door shut or above 12.4 mph in a range other than Park, from 2016 at more than 20 km/h outside Park, over 30 of 50 or 240 of 400 samples; the fault is Type A and turns on the MIL. Mercedes defines P0D5900 for the 22 kW charger of the third-generation smart electric drive as a short to positive in the plug contact sensing, and the same bulletin blames loose charger connectors for charging and start-up problems. Electrically, a short to a supply line or a broken reference path can raise the level.
P0D59 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D59
- MIL on (GM)
- Inserted charging plug not recognised, no charging
- Start-up problems after charging (smart)
Common causes of P0D59
- Most likelyProximity signal wire shorted to a supply voltage
- PossibleInterrupted ground or reference path of the detection circuit
- PossibleLoose connector at the charger or charge inlet
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Proximity detection aCharge inlet aWiring harness
What each part of P0D59 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D59 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 P0D59
What does P0D59 mean?
P0D59 means "Proximity Detection Circuit A High". P0D59 is logged when proximity circuit A shows a voltage above its expected resting level at a moment when the charge port must be empty. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D59?
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 P0D59 fail an emissions test?
P0D59 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 P0D59 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D59 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.