P2E38 code meaning
Battery Charger B Enable Circuit Range/Performance
What P2E38 means
P2E38 flags an enable circuit of charger B that is electrically sound, while the charger or its partner modules do not react to it as expected. No manufacturer documents P2E38 publicly. Ford shows the A-side logic for P0E64 in its 2019 plug-in hybrid OBD summary: once the charger is ready and the wake-up line Chrg_Wkup is high, the battery energy control module must report ready; if it still says not ready after 30 s, the test fails. Slow start-up, a module that does not wake or mismatched software can therefore trigger the code without any wiring fault. GM's 2019 hybrid tables check the hardware side of the line separately (P0E61). CARB asks for rationality checks where feasible. Circuit faults are P2E35 to P2E37, output power deviations P2E3A. Charging may start late or not at all.
P2E38 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2E38
- Charging begins only after a long delay or not at all
- Fault appears only on some charging sessions
Common causes of P2E38
- Most likelySoftware mismatch between charger B and battery control module
- PossibleBattery control module not waking or starting too slowly
- Less likelyEnable level marginal due to contact resistance
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
On board chargerBattery energy control moduleWiring harness
What each part of P2E38 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E38 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 P2E38
What does P2E38 mean?
P2E38 means "Battery Charger B Enable Circuit Range/Performance". P2E38 flags an enable circuit of charger B that is electrically sound, while the charger or its partner modules do not react to it as expected. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E38?
P2E38 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2E38 fail an emissions test?
P2E38 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 P2E38 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2E38 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.