Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2CA8 DC/DC Converter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P2CA8 covers sensor E of the DC/DC converter when its voltage is electrically fine but the temperature it reports does not make sense. Typical plausibility tests compare all converter sensors after a long soak, when they should agree, or check whether a reading moves at all while the converter is under heavy load. FCA shows the pattern for lower letters: on the 2021 Ram 1500 eTorque, bulletin 08-037-21 lists performance codes for sensors 1, 2, C and D, turning them into one-trip faults with new hybrid control software, but sensor E is not named. No manufacturer documents P2CA8 publicly. CARB explicitly demands rationality monitoring for hybrid component temperature sensors. Drift, poor thermal contact of the sensor or software are the usual suspects.

Likely causes

Sensor E drifting away from the other converter sensors
Sensor E has lost thermal contact with the part it measures
Outdated converter or hybrid control software with too tight limits
Contact resistance in the connector shifting the signal

Symptoms

  • MIL on, possibly after a single drive
  • Converter temperature in live data not following load or ambient

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–2,500
Time0.3–5 h

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

Parts involved

dcdc converter temp sensor ewiring harnessdcdc converter

Related codes

P2CA5P2CA6P2CA7P2CACP2C8DP0E59

References: static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu, patents.google.com.