Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0CAE Hybrid/EV Battery Temperature Sensor N Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P0CAE is the plausibility check for sensor N: the value is electrically acceptable, yet out of line with its neighbours. GM's 2012 Volt table 12OBDG01A demands a rest of more than 21,600 s without propulsion, external charging or thermal conditioning and then fails the test at a deviation above 25.3 °C in 50 of 67 samples, Type B. The 2019 table 19OBDG02 keeps the count but uses 25.00 °C, 25 ms sampling and a minimum supply of 10.2 V. Mitsubishi's 2022 Outlander PHEV applies the code to module sensor [13] and checks it once per drive cycle after a one-hour soak: 13 °C or more away from the 50-sensor mean for 0.32 s. Electrical faults of N are reported separately as P0CAF and P0CB0.

Likely causes

Thermistor N reading off while electrically valid
Sensor N detached from its cell or module surface
Real temperature difference in that pack section

Symptoms

  • Warning lamp after the car has stood for hours
  • Limited battery power

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–2,500
Time0.5–5 h

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

Parts involved

hv battery temp sensor nwiring harnessbms

Related codes

P0CADP0CAFP0CB0P0CB1P0CA9P0CB3

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, mitsubishitechinfo.com.