P2D5E code meaning
Battery Charging System Positive Contactor C Control Circuit/Open
What P2D5E means
P2D5E concerns the wire that energises the coil of plus-side contactor C, not its power contacts: the module finds that the state of its output driver and that of the line disagree, typically because a wire or the coil winding is broken. No manufacturer documents P2D5E publicly. GM's check of the contactor A counterpart (P0D0A) gives typical criteria: an output reading above 4 V while switched off, or under 57 mA of coil current while on, counts as an open; 40 bad results out of 50, sampled every 12.5 ms, are needed, and the 2016 Volt rates it Type B (two trips), the ELR Type A. Look for a broken wire, a terminal backed out of its plug or an open coil. Range, low and high are P2D5F–P2D61. Contactor C cannot pull in, so its charging mode is lost.
P2D5E at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2D5E
- Charging in the affected mode not possible
- Fault present continuously, not only while charging
- Charging warning in the cluster
Common causes of P2D5E
- Most likelyBroken coil feed wire or pushed-back terminal
- PossibleCoil winding of contactor C open
- Less likelyOutput stage in the module defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Bcs pos contactor cWiring harnessBms
What each part of P2D5E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 5E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2D5E 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 P2D5E
What does P2D5E mean?
P2D5E means "Battery Charging System Positive Contactor C Control Circuit/Open". P2D5E concerns the wire that energises the coil of plus-side contactor C, not its power contacts: the module finds that the state of its output driver and that of the line disagree, typically because a wire or the coil winding is broken. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2D5E?
P2D5E does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2D5E fail an emissions test?
P2D5E 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 P2D5E to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2D5E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.