P2CAE code meaning
Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2CAE means
P2CAE concerns the second electric pump of a charge air cooling loop: its control line is held at ground potential where the driver expects a higher level. No manufacturer documents pump B publicly. GM's published test for pump A (P023B, LT5, table 19OBDG03A) runs with the low-side driver off and flags a short to ground when output and controller ground are connected by less than 0.5 Ω, again 50 of 63 samples, Type A. What the pump then does depends on its design: a plainly switched motor may run all the time, while a smart pump that reads a missing PWM signal may fall back to an emergency mode. Look for a harness chafed on a bracket, water between pins, or an internal short in pump B. The opposite fault, a short to power, is P2CAF.
P2CAE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2CAE
- MIL on
- Pump B runs continuously or stays in a fallback mode
- Possible power reduction when the charge air gets hot
Common causes of P2CAE
- Most likelyControl wire of pump B rubbed through to ground
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the pump B connector
- Less likelyInternal short in the electronics of pump B
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cac coolant pump bWiring harnessECM
What each part of P2CAE means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| AE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2CAE 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 P2CAE
What does P2CAE mean?
P2CAE means "Charge Air Cooler Coolant Pump B Control Circuit Low". P2CAE concerns the second electric pump of a charge air cooling loop: its control line is held at ground potential where the driver expects a higher level. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2CAE?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2CAE the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2CAE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2CAE 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 P2CAE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2CAE clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.