Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0AE3 Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P0AE3 is set when the precharge path does not conduct after it has been commanded closed, so the bus voltage fails to rise and the main contactors are not allowed to close. GM documents several cases: preliminary information PIC6165A for the 2016-17 Chevrolet Volt describes a rare P0AE3 in cool weather right after a completed charge, without driveability effects; parts should not be replaced, a new calibration followed, and the MIL goes out after three clean drive cycles. GM bulletin 23-NA-151 lists P0AE3 among high-priority codes on Ultium EVs that call for battery stability checks. Audi includes P0AE300 for the 2022 e-tron GT. Unlike P0AE2, the contacts stay open; a slow precharge is P0C78.

Likely causes

Battery controller calibration sets the code under certain conditions (GM Volt, Audi)
Precharge contactor contacts burnt or coil not pulling in
Precharge resistor or its fuse open
Internal fault in the battery disconnect unit

Symptoms

  • Vehicle does not become ready to drive
  • MIL or service engine soon light on
  • No battery charge level shown after switching on

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–6,000
Time0.5–8 h

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

Parts involved

hv battery precharge contactor

Related codes

P0AE2P0AE1P0AE4P0C78P0AA2P0AA5

References: static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov.