P0E61 code meaning
Battery Charger A Enable Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P0Exx codes Check engine light
What P0E61 means
P0E61 means the 12 V enable line that wakes or permits the on-board charger has a circuit fault, most often an open. GM documents it codegenau. In the 2016 Volt the VICM watches this charger enable circuit; in the 2019 hybrid tables the HPC2 module does so. The test reads a fault flag reported by the driver hardware and runs when system voltage is at least 10.2 V; 30 failed samples out of 40, taken every 25 ms, set the code as Type B, so the MIL lights after two trips with the fault. GM also uses P0E61 as a blocking condition: while it is active, the high-voltage battery heater test is not run. CARB's charger rule for plug-in hybrids covers exactly such failures. With no enable signal the charger stays off and plug-in charging fails.
P0E61 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E61
- Plug-in charging does not start
- MIL on after two trips
- Battery heating in cold weather may be unavailable
Common causes of P0E61
- Most likelyEnable wire open or connector at charger/module not seated
- PossibleOutput driver in the controlling module (VICM/HPC2) faulty
- Less likelyEnable input of the on-board charger defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger a enable circuitWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P0E61 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 61 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E61 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 P0E61
What does P0E61 mean?
P0E61 means "Battery Charger A Enable Circuit/Open". P0E61 means the 12 V enable line that wakes or permits the on-board charger has a circuit fault, most often an open. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E61?
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 P0E61 fail an emissions test?
P0E61 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 P0E61 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E61 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.