P0D5C code meaning
Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Power Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D5C means
P0D5C judges the power the charger feeds into the traction battery against what it draws from the grid. GM's first-generation Volt and ELR charger module calculates high-voltage output power and flags it when it exceeds AC input power times about 2 plus 30 W (2011) or 120 W (2014 and 2016 ELR), for 1.6 of 2 s, Type A. The 2016 Volt checks the opposite direction: efficiency below 67 % of the nominal value for the coolant temperature and input power, with at least 600 W commanded on Level 1 or 2 charging, sets a Type B fault. Ford stores P0D5C in the secondary OBD module of the 2020 Lincoln Aviator plug-in hybrid; SSM 49289 cures a MIL after charging by reprogramming that module.
P0D5C at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0D5C
- MIL on after a charging session
- Charging slower than expected
- Charging interrupted
Common causes of P0D5C
- Most likelyPower stage of the charger degraded, efficiency too low
- PossibleModule software miscalculates power (Ford SOBDM update)
- PossibleOutput voltage/current or AC input measurement inaccurate
- Less likelyInsufficient cooling of the power electronics during charging
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger hv outputOn board charger
What each part of P0D5C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 5C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D5C 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 P0D5C
What does P0D5C mean?
P0D5C means "Battery Charger Hybrid/EV Battery Output Power Performance". P0D5C judges the power the charger feeds into the traction battery against what it draws from the grid. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D5C?
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 P0D5C fail an emissions test?
P0D5C 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 P0D5C to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D5C clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.