Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0A81 Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Cooling Fan 1 Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

The controller watches the output that drives battery cooling fan 1 for an open circuit. In the 2016 GM table the fan is commanded at low duty (under 10 %) and the circuit voltage sits between about 1.6 and 5.85 V instead of being pulled low; 16 failures in 20 samples set it as Type B. An older GM program used it as a general fan unit fault judged by a monitor voltage. Ford found P0A81, often with P0A96 for fan 2, in the battery control module of 2005–12 Escape and Mariner Hybrids and replaced both fans; drivers usually noticed nothing. Low and high faults have their own codes (P0A84, P0A85). Without airflow the pack heats up and power may be limited.

Likely causes

Fan motor or its internal electronics open
Loose or corroded fan connector, broken control wire
Blown fan supply fuse
Faulty output stage in the battery control module

Symptoms

  • Check engine or hybrid warning, often no other complaint
  • Battery cooling fan does not run when commanded
  • Reduced hybrid power in hot conditions

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–900
Time0.5–3.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

battery cooling fanfan motorwiring harness

Related codes

P0A84P0A85P0A82P0A96P0BC8P0A7E

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov.