P2E3D code meaning
Battery Charger B Output Shorted
What P2E3D means
P2E3D points to a short on the high-voltage output side of charger B. No manufacturer documents P2E3D publicly. GM's test for the A-side code P0D23 shows how such a short is found: while the charger contactor is only precharging and the multi-purpose contactor is open, hardly any current should flow, so more than 0.35 A on the charger bus in 4 of 5 samples at 100 ms sets the code as One Trip Type A, both in the 2011 Volt and in the 2016 Cadillac ELR tables. The test is suspended while output current sensor faults are active. Supplier chargers such as Holley's 30-8405 build in output short-circuit protection that shuts the stage down. Causes are an internal short in charger B, a damaged HV cable or a contactor path that leaks. Charging is blocked; current deviations alone are P2E3C.
P2E3D 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 P2E3D
- Charging blocked as soon as the cable is plugged in
- High-voltage or charging system warning
Common causes of P2E3D
- Most likelyInternal short in the charger B output stage
- PossibleDamaged high-voltage cable between charger B and battery
- Less likelyLeaking or stuck contactor path in the charging circuit
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
On board chargerWiring harness
What each part of P2E3D means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E3D 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 P2E3D
What does P2E3D mean?
P2E3D means "Battery Charger B Output Shorted". P2E3D points to a short on the high-voltage output side of charger B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E3D?
P2E3D does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P2E3D fail an emissions test?
P2E3D 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 P2E3D to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2E3D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.