P0E86 code meaning
Battery Charger B Input Voltage Too Low
What P0E86 means
P0E86 means charger B sees less voltage at its input than it needs to work, although charging has been requested. It mirrors P0D27, which carries no letter and is used for the first charger. No manufacturer documents P0E86 publicly. Ford's plug-in hybrid summary (OBDSM1901) does list the opposite case on the same input, P0E87, which shows that the B input codes are in real use. A low input voltage is often caused outside the car: a weak or long house circuit, a faulty extension or charging cable, or a charging station that sags under load. Inside the car, worn inlet contacts or a bad high-voltage connection to the charger can do the same. CARB does not require faults originating in the supply to be detected, so an unconfirmed code may just reflect a poor socket.
P0E86 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0E86
- AC charging does not start or stops shortly after starting
- Charging works at another socket or station
Common causes of P0E86
- Most likelyWeak supply at the socket or charging station, long or undersized house wiring
- PossibleFaulty charging cable, adapter or extension lead
- PossibleWorn or burnt contacts in the charge inlet or its wiring to the charger
- Less likelyVoltage measurement inside charger B reads too low
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger bAc input circuitOn board charger
What each part of P0E86 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0E86 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 P0E86
What does P0E86 mean?
P0E86 means "Battery Charger B Input Voltage Too Low". P0E86 means charger B sees less voltage at its input than it needs to work, although charging has been requested. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0E86?
P0E86 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0E86 fail an emissions test?
P0E86 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 P0E86 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0E86 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.