Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0AE0 Hybrid/EV Battery Negative Contactor Control Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0AE0 is stored when the negative contactor drive circuit shows too high a voltage for its state, which mostly means a short to battery voltage. GM's 2016-19 hybrid tables set it with the contactor commanded off and the driver output between 5.27 and 19.7 V for 40 of 50 samples at 12.5 ms, Type B, two trips. CARB 1968.2 requires hybrid output components to be monitored for such circuit faults. Siblings are P0ADD (open) and P0ADF (low); the positive side equivalent is P0ADC. A coil energized by a short could keep the contactor closed, so a stuck-closed code P0AA4 may follow. The controller usually disables the high-voltage system.

Likely causes

Coil control wire shorted to 12 V
Damaged harness or connector at the battery disconnect unit
Driver stage in the battery controller shorted

Symptoms

  • Hybrid or EV warning light
  • High-voltage system disabled, vehicle not ready
  • Possible additional stuck-closed code

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–2,500
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

hv battery neg contactorwiring harnessbms

Related codes

P0ADDP0ADEP0ADFP0ADCP0AA4

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com.