Powertrain, generic

P0E42 Charge Status Indicator B Control Circuit High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0E42 means the driver circuit of charge status indicator B shows voltage at a moment when the light should be switched off, pointing to a short to a supply wire or a driver that stays on. P0E42 appears in no public manufacturer document. Indicator A gives the reference: on the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, GM's table 12OBDG01A includes in P0D2C a check for a short to battery while the LED is off, requiring 40 out of 50 failed readings at 100 ms intervals. The same logic would apply to light B. In practice indicator B often belongs to the charge port, so wet or corroded contacts and harness damage at the flap are common starting points. Expect a second light that glows or flickers out of turn. Low is P0E41, open is P0DE5.

Likely causes

Indicator B wire touching a live wire at the charge port
Wet or corroded contacts bridging to a supply pin
Output driver for indicator B stuck on

Symptoms

  • Second charge light glowing or flickering when not charging
  • Charging itself works

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€30–400
Time0.3–2 h

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

Parts involved

charge status indicator bwiring harness

Related codes

P0E41P0DE5P0E40P0D2C

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