P0DE5 code meaning
Charge Status Indicator B Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0DE5 means
P0DE5 flags an interrupted drive circuit for charge status indicator B, a second lamp or LED that tells the owner whether the vehicle is charging, for instance one at the charge port next to the one on the dashboard. Which light gets the letter B is up to the maker. No manufacturer documents P0DE5 publicly. GM's tables for the Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR only cover indicator A (P0D2C): the hybrid controller samples the LED driver every 100 ms, needs 40 bad results out of 50 and checks for a short to battery or an open line while the LED is commanded off. In the current code set, shorts on B have their own codes, P0E41 and P0E42, so P0DE5 narrows the fault to a break: a cut wire, a loose connector or a dead LED. Charging itself still works.
P0DE5 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0DE5
- Charge status indicator B stays dark while charging
- Charging works normally
- Warning lamp possible depending on the manufacturer
Common causes of P0DE5
- Most likelyBroken wire or unplugged connector to indicator B
- PossibleBurnt-out LED or failed indicator unit
- PossibleCorroded contacts in the weather-exposed charge port area
- Less likelyFailed output driver in the controlling module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Charge status indicator bWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0DE5 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| E5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0DE5 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 P0DE5
What does P0DE5 mean?
P0DE5 means "Charge Status Indicator B Control Circuit/Open". P0DE5 flags an interrupted drive circuit for charge status indicator B, a second lamp or LED that tells the owner whether the vehicle is charging, for instance one at the charge port next to the one on the dashboard. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0DE5?
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 P0DE5 fail an emissions test?
P0DE5 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 P0DE5 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0DE5 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.