P2DCE code meaning
Control Pilot Charging Switch B Circuit/Open
What P2DCE means
P2DCE reports an open or otherwise faulty control circuit of charging switch B, a vehicle-side switch on the control pilot line. Under SAE J1772 the car first loads the pilot with about 2.74 kΩ, pulling the 12 V supplied by the station down to roughly 9 V; closing a charging switch puts another 1.3 kΩ in parallel, the level falls to about 6 V and the station energises the cable. With the circuit of switch B interrupted, the module cannot place this request through it. Which hardware the letter B stands for, such as a second charge inlet or a redundant path, is not published, and no manufacturer documents P2DCE. CARB asks plug-in hybrids to detect charger faults that stop or limit charging. Switch A counterpart: P0CF8. Expect a car that the station recognises but that does not charge.
P2DCE at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2DCE
- Station detects the car but charging never starts
- Charging fault message in the instrument cluster
Common causes of P2DCE
- Most likelyBroken wire or pushed-back pin in the switch B circuit
- PossibleSwitch or its driver inside the charging module open
- PossibleCorroded contacts at the charge inlet or module connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Control pilot switch bWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P2DCE means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| CE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2DCE 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 P2DCE
What does P2DCE mean?
P2DCE means "Control Pilot Charging Switch B Circuit/Open". P2DCE reports an open or otherwise faulty control circuit of charging switch B, a vehicle-side switch on the control pilot line. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2DCE?
P2DCE does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2DCE fail an emissions test?
P2DCE 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 P2DCE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2DCE clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.