Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0DC5 Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit G Stuck On

Check engine lightOn

EmissionsRelevant

Drive cycleRequired

Limp modePossible

P0DC5 reports that the bleed switch of group G seems to stay closed. Ford lists the code for the BECM of its 2018 hybrids and plug-ins; there, a sticking circuit is inferred at start-up, with contactors open, from any of its six cells straying more than 75 mV from the pack average. A more direct test can sit in the monitoring chip. Renesas patent US9735567B2 gives each balancing terminal a comparator plus a pull-up: with the switch commanded off, the measured cell voltage should come through, and a reading near zero reveals a switch stuck in conduction. Untreated, group G keeps losing charge while parked and can end up triggering low-cell warnings. CARB lets makers watch the switches instead of every cell voltage. Circuit fault: P0DC4, inactive: P0DC6.

Likely causes

Balancing switch of group G stuck in conduction

Enable signal from the controller or chip never withdrawn

Moisture or contamination forming a leakage path on the module board

Symptoms

Check engine light and hybrid battery warning
Low cell voltage codes may follow after longer parking
Electric range decreasing from day to day

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job

Parts and labour€300–4,500

Time1.5–8 h

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

Parts involved

hv battery cell balancing circuit gbms

Related codes

P0DAB P0DC4 P0DC6 P0DC7 P0DC1 P0DE6

References: law.cornell.edu, fordservicecontent.com, patents.google.com.