P0E13 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Heater A Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Exx codes Check engine light
What P0E13 means
P0E13 is the low-signal case on the command line of battery coolant heater A: the controller reads the line near ground at a moment when it expects a higher level, which points to a short to ground or a driver that cannot pull the circuit up. No manufacturer documents P0E13 publicly. GM's 2016 Volt folds open circuit, ground short and voltage short of its battery heater transistor into the single code P1EC3, rated Type B. Keep this low-voltage command fault apart from an isolation fault of the high-voltage heater element: GM bulletin PIC5920B lists the battery heater of the 2011–2014 Volt and 2014 ELR as one possible cause of isolation codes. CARB requires circuit checks on battery heating outputs. With the heater stuck off, winter charging slows down. P0E12 is the open circuit, P0E14 the high case.
P0E13 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E13
- Check engine light on
- Battery heater does not work at low temperatures
- Longer charging times in winter
Common causes of P0E13
- Most likelyCommand wire shorted to ground, e.g. chafed against the body
- PossibleMoisture or coolant in the heater connector
- PossibleInternal short in the heater's control input
- Less likelyOutput driver in the controller stuck low
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery pack coolant heater aWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0E13 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 13 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E13 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 P0E13
What does P0E13 mean?
P0E13 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Heater A Control Circuit Low". P0E13 is the low-signal case on the command line of battery coolant heater A: the controller reads the line near ground at a moment when it expects a higher level, which points to a short to ground or a driver that cannot pull the circuit up. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E13?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0E13 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0E13 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0E13 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 P0E13 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E13 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.