Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0D46 Battery Charger 14 Volt Output Voltage Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0D46 stands for a sporadic or unstable signal from the voltage sensor at the 14 V output of the on-board charger. No manufacturer documents it publicly. GM monitors this output in the Volt and ELR charger only for plausibility, low and high readings (P0D43-P0D45) and lists no intermittent variant. The Ford patent on a DC/DC stage housed in the charger shows why the value matters: that stage can regulate the 12 V bus during charging without closing the main contactors, and it needs a steady voltage feedback to do so. CARB counts erratic readings among the faults that comprehensive component monitoring has to catch. Loose low-voltage connections at the charger or a failing internal sense circuit are the main suspects.

Likely causes

Loose 12 V, ground or signal connection at the charger
Voltage sense circuit inside the charger failing intermittently
Electrical interference on the low-voltage network

Symptoms

  • 12 V battery not kept charged while plugged in
  • Occasional charging interruptions

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–2,500
Time0.5–4 h

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

Parts involved

battery charger 14v output voltage sensorwiring harnesson board charger

Related codes

P0D42P0D43P0D44P0D45P0D4B

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