P0AE1Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- Before the main contactors close, a precharge contactor routes battery current through a resistor so the inverter capacitors fill slowly instead of drawing a damaging inrush. P0AE1 is the general fault of this precharge path when it is not split into stuck closed (P0AE2), stuck open (P0AE3) or a driver fault (P0AE4 to P0AE7). Honda lists P0AE1 as a bypass contactor malfunction in bulletins 20-030 (2012-15 Civic Hybrid) and 20-021 (2013 ILX Hybrid); there a cracked solder joint in the motor power inverter is the cause and the whole inverter is replaced. Mercedes-Benz names P0AE173 on the G 580 with EQ technology after unplugging the AC charger too early. Expect no ready mode or no charging.
- What you may notice
- Hybrid or EV system warning in the cluster
- Vehicle does not become ready to drive
- Charging not possible
- Likely causes
- LikelyDefective solder joint in the motor power inverter (Honda IMA)
- PossiblePrecharge contactor or precharge resistor failed
- RareFault logged by battery controller software after an interrupted charging sequence
- RareWiring or connector fault in the contactor circuit
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Workshop only · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €150 – €3,000
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.