Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0D5E Battery Charger Hybrid/EV System Discharge Time Too Long

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0D5E means the high-voltage side of the charger did not drop to a safe level in time after it was disconnected. GM's 2011 Volt charger module fails the test if 60 V or more remain 1.5 s after the discharge command, or 6.75 s after a confirmed communication loss with the hybrid controller; a backup routine then checks for battery current that would reveal a stuck contactor. The 2016 Volt allows 4 s after the contactors open, the 2019 Volt also 4 s against 58 V and adds a case for a failed voltage sensor combined with a stuck negative contactor. All are Type A with immediate MIL. A patent for on-board charger discharge circuits cites roughly 60 V as the safety limit. The opposite fault is P0D5D.

Likely causes

Active discharge circuit of the charger not working
High-voltage contactor stuck closed keeps the bus energised
Lost communication between charger and hybrid controller
Charger voltage sensor reads falsely high

Symptoms

  • MIL on (GM)
  • Charging blocked after the fault
  • Further high-voltage codes such as contactor faults may be stored

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€150–3,000
Time0.5–5 h

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

Parts involved

battery charger discharge circuitdc link capacitor

Related codes

P0D5DP0AA4P0AA1P0D4EP0D4F

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, patents.google.com.