P0E6C code meaning
Battery Charging System Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Open
What P0E6C means
P0E6C reports that the precharge contactor of the charging system does not close, or that no current flows through the precharge branch, even though the command was given. The charger side then cannot be brought up to pack voltage, the main charging contactors stay open and the session ends before any energy flows. No manufacturer documents P0E6C publicly. GM's 2019 hybrid tables show the measurable symptom under other codes: if the charger bus is still outside 95 to 105 percent of pack voltage after 0.7 seconds, P0D26 is set, and if charger voltage stays under 10 V once a precharge attempt has failed, GM blames the positive charging contactor with P0D09, both Type A. CARB counts such charging failures among the faults a plug-in hybrid must detect. A welded contactor is P0E6B instead.
P0E6C at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E6C
- Charging stops a few seconds after plugging in
- Repeated clicking from the battery area at charge start
Common causes of P0E6C
- Most likelyOpen precharge resistor interrupting the branch
- PossibleBurnt or contaminated contactor contacts not conducting
- PossibleContactor coil not pulling in due to low supply
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Precharge contactorPrecharge resistorBms
What each part of P0E6C means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 6C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E6C 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 P0E6C
What does P0E6C mean?
P0E6C means "Battery Charging System Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Open". P0E6C reports that the precharge contactor of the charging system does not close, or that no current flows through the precharge branch, even though the command was given. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E6C?
P0E6C does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0E6C fail an emissions test?
P0E6C 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 P0E6C to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E6C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.