P0DAE code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit A Stuck Off
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0DAE means
With P0DAE the controller has commanded balancing on circuit A, yet nothing happens: the switch stays open or the bleed resistor is broken, so the targeted cells keep their charge. Ford documents the code for its hybrid BECM; in the 2014 OBD summary the verdict rests on a 100 ms check at power-up with open contactors, in which one cell of the six-cell group lying beyond 75 mV from the average on two successive starts is enough. For a related code, GM checks on eAssist with the ignition off that the cell moves by more than 0.1 V once the resistor is switched in. The penalty is slow: the high cells limit charging, the pack loses usable capacity and the overall verdict P0DAB may follow.
P0DAE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor2 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0DAE
- MIL and battery system warning
- Charging ends early because individual cells reach full first
- Growing cell voltage spread in the live data
Common causes of P0DAE
- Most likelyBleed resistor of circuit A open or its solder joint cracked
- PossibleBalancing transistor failed open
- PossibleBroken balancing/sense lead or terminal between module and cells
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery cell balancing circuit aBms
What each part of P0DAE means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| AE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0DAE 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 P0DAE
What does P0DAE mean?
P0DAE means "Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit A Stuck Off". With P0DAE the controller has commanded balancing on circuit A, yet nothing happens: the switch stays open or the bleed resistor is broken, so the targeted cells keep their charge. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0DAE?
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 P0DAE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0DAE is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0DAE to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 2 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0DAE 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.