P0D5B code meaning
Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Power Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D5B means
P0D5B checks whether the power leaving the charger's built-in 14 V output is physically possible. GM's charger module for the Volt and ELR multiplies the measured 14 V output voltage and current and compares the product with the AC input power times a factor of about 2 plus an offset: 2.5 W in the 2011 table, 125 W in the 2014 Volt/ELR and 2016 ELR tables. Exceeding that for 1.6 s within a 2 s window sets a Type A fault with MIL. The test only runs when the sensor codes P0D44, P0D45, P0D49 and P0D4A are clear, and the same low-voltage power also enters GM's total output check P1ECE. Because the 12 V side only takes part while charging, failures mostly show up as charging faults.
P0D5B 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 P0D5B
- MIL on (GM)
- Charging interrupted
- 12 V battery not supported while plugged in
Common causes of P0D5B
- Most likelyVoltage or current measurement of the 14 V stage reads too high
- PossibleAC input power measured too low
- PossibleLow-voltage stage of the on-board charger faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger 14v outputOn board charger
What each part of P0D5B means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D5B 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 P0D5B
What does P0D5B mean?
P0D5B means "Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Power Performance". P0D5B checks whether the power leaving the charger's built-in 14 V output is physically possible. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D5B?
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 P0D5B fail an emissions test?
P0D5B 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 P0D5B to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D5B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.