P2D73 code meaning
Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open
What P2D73 means
P2D73 concerns the coil drive of negative charging contactor D: commanded and measured state of the line differ, pointing to an open wire, terminal or winding. No manufacturer documents P2D73 publicly. GM's test for the minus charge contactor (P0D11) is the direct analogue. In the 2016 tables it shares one entry with the plus contactor test and adds a current check: under 57 mA with the driver on means open, as does more than 4 V with it off. The 2011 Volt version only looked at the off state, with a 2 V limit. Both need 40 bad samples of 50 and cannot detect a ground short. The return pole of path D stays open. P2D74–P2D76 are the other drive faults, P2D6C the plus side, P2D65 contactor C.
P2D73 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 P2D73
- Charging mode via contactor D not available
- Code present at every key-on
- Charging fault message
Common causes of P2D73
- Most likelyOpen coil drive wire or loose terminal
- PossibleBroken winding in minus contactor D
- Less likelyDefective driver or current sensing in the module
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 P2D73 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2D73 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 P2D73
What does P2D73 mean?
P2D73 means "Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open". P2D73 concerns the coil drive of negative charging contactor D: commanded and measured state of the line differ, pointing to an open wire, terminal or winding. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2D73?
P2D73 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2D73 fail an emissions test?
P2D73 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 P2D73 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2D73 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.