P2D71 code meaning
Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Stuck Closed
What P2D71 means
P2D71 indicates that negative charging contactor D has stayed closed after an open command, as happens when the contacts fuse. No manufacturer documents P2D71 publicly. A Toyota patent addresses a pitfall of this check: after DC charging the car asks the station to stop, but some stations keep feeding, and the leftover inlet voltage would wrongly suggest welded relays. Toyota therefore repeats a suspicious result after opening the main relays and draining the capacitor, then opens one charge relay at a time against a threshold of a few to a few tens of volts. A Ford patent adds the consequence: one weld locks charging, a weld on both poles also stops the car from driving. P2D72 is the opposite fault, P2D6A the plus side.
P2D71 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2D71
- Charging locked after a DC session
- Vehicle may refuse to become ready if the plus side is welded as well
- High-voltage warning at start-up
Common causes of P2D71
- Most likelyFused contacts in minus contactor D
- Less likelyStation kept supplying voltage during the check
- Less likelyCoil held on by a faulty output stage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Bcs neg contactor dWiring harnessBms
What each part of P2D71 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2D71 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 P2D71
What does P2D71 mean?
P2D71 means "Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Stuck Closed". P2D71 indicates that negative charging contactor D has stayed closed after an open command, as happens when the contacts fuse. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2D71?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2D71 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2D71 fail an emissions test?
P2D71 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 P2D71 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2D71 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.