Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0D13 Battery Charging System Negative Contactor A Control Circuit Low

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0D13 means the control line of negative charging contactor A reads too low, which points to a short to ground or a driver output held down. The coil then receives no current, or too little, and the contactor stays open. No manufacturer documents P0D13 publicly; GM notes that its P0D11 test for this contactor on the Volt and ELR cannot detect a short to ground, and CARB requires plug-in vehicles to monitor charging components. Typical causes are a wire chafed against the body or battery housing and moisture inside a connector. P0D14 is the high counterpart, P0D11 the open circuit, P0D0C the same fault on the positive side. In practice the vehicle refuses to charge.

Likely causes

Control wire chafed through and shorted to ground
Moisture in a connector creating a path to ground
Shorted contactor coil

Symptoms

  • Vehicle refuses to charge
  • Charging system warning

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–1,500
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

bcs neg contactor awiring harnessbms

Related codes

P0D11P0D12P0D14P0D0C

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