Powertrain, generic

P0E4E Engine Failed to Crank

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0E4E reports that the hybrid system commanded an engine start but the crankshaft did not turn, or did not reach the cranking speed it expected. It differs from P0A0F, where the engine is turned over but does not fire and keep running. In most hybrids a motor-generator fed by the high-voltage battery cranks the engine, so causes range from a seized engine or transaxle to missing battery energy or a drive fault. No manufacturer documents P0E4E publicly. GM's bulletin PIC6229C for the 2016-2019 Malibu hybrid shows why charge matters: below a pack voltage of 154 to 210 V, depending on temperature, the system stops trying to crank until a recovery charge is done. CARB requires the energy storage monitor to catch faults that prevent engine starts.

Likely causes

High-voltage battery too low to crank, often after repeated failed starts
Mechanically seized engine or blocked transaxle
Fault in the cranking motor-generator, its inverter or a conventional starter
Crankshaft speed not detected because of a sensor or signal fault

Symptoms

  • Engine does not turn over when the hybrid system calls for it
  • Vehicle runs electrically only or shows a stop-safely warning
  • No start at all once the battery is depleted

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–4,000
Time1–10 h

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

Parts involved

hybrid control modulehv batteryengine starter

Related codes

P0A0FP0AFAP0615P0335

References: static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.