P0E46 code meaning
Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense E Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Exx codes Check engine light
What P0E46 means
P0E46 is stored when pack voltage measurement E reads below the lowest value the connected battery could physically present. That points to the measuring path, such as a sense lead shorted to ground, a blown sense fuse or a failed input stage, not to an empty battery. No manufacturer documents P0E46 publicly. On GM's 2013 two-mode hybrid trucks the comparable channel A code P0ABC sets below 40 V, but only after the contactors have been closed for more than 200 ms, and needs 300 failures in 400 samples at 10 ms, Type A, one trip. CARB requires out-of-range checks for battery voltage sensors. The high counterpart is P0E47; a pack that is really deeply discharged sets its own codes such as P0AFA. Hybrid operation may be blocked.
P0E46 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E46
- Vehicle does not become ready to drive or drops out of ready mode
- Hybrid system warning and MIL lit
- Electric drive or engine assist unavailable
Common causes of P0E46
- Most likelySense lead of channel E shorted to ground or chassis
- PossibleBlown fuse or open resistor in the sense path pulling the reading down
- Less likelyDefective input stage of the battery controller
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Hv battery pack voltage sense eWiring harnessBms
What each part of P0E46 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 46 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E46 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 P0E46
What does P0E46 mean?
P0E46 means "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Voltage Sense E Circuit Low". P0E46 is stored when pack voltage measurement E reads below the lowest value the connected battery could physically present. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E46?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0E46 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0E46 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0E46 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 P0E46 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E46 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.