P0AE3Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit Stuck Open
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- P0AE3 is set when the precharge path does not conduct after it has been commanded closed, so the bus voltage fails to rise and the main contactors are not allowed to close. GM documents several cases: preliminary information PIC6165A for the 2016-17 Chevrolet Volt describes a rare P0AE3 in cool weather right after a completed charge, without driveability effects; parts should not be replaced, a new calibration followed, and the MIL goes out after three clean drive cycles. GM bulletin 23-NA-151 lists P0AE3 among high-priority codes on Ultium EVs that call for battery stability checks. Audi includes P0AE300 for the 2022 e-tron GT. Unlike P0AE2, the contacts stay open; a slow precharge is P0C78.
- What you may notice
- Vehicle does not become ready to drive
- MIL or service engine soon light on
- No battery charge level shown after switching on
- Likely causes
- LikelyBattery controller calibration sets the code under certain conditions (GM Volt, Audi)
- PossiblePrecharge contactor contacts burnt or coil not pulling in
- PossiblePrecharge resistor or its fuse open
- RareInternal fault in the battery disconnect unit
- 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: €100 – €6,000
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.