P0AE1 A fault in the hybrid battery precharge contactor circuit; Honda lists it as a bypass contactor fault

Hybrid/EV battery precharge contactor circuit

P0AE1 in short

P0AE1 points to a fault in the circuit for the hybrid battery precharge contactor. On the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid and 2013 ILX Hybrid, Honda lists it among the codes set when the motor power inverter fails from a bad solder joint, covered by an extended warranty. Get it checked soon; this is high-voltage work.

When a hybrid starts, a precharge contactor lets current into the inverter slowly before the main contactors close, so the large capacitors do not take a sudden surge. P0AE1 sets when the computer sees a fault in that circuit.

Honda bulletin A20-030 for the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid and B20-021 for the 2013 ILX Hybrid say the motor power inverter can fail from a defective solder joint and set a group of codes, including P0AE1, which Honda labels a bypass contactor malfunction, along with P1437 and P0A78. Honda extended the inverter coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles.

Owners of both cars report losing drive power and having the codes confirmed, but some were told their VIN was not on the bulletin list, so coverage depends on the VIN.

We found no bulletin for P0AE1 on other makes, so on other hybrids the cause is not documented here. The contactor circuit is part of the high-voltage system, and diagnosis belongs with a dealer or hybrid-trained technician.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed motor power inverter (Civic Hybrid, ILX Hybrid)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda bulletins A20-030 and B20-021 list P0AE1 among codes from a defective inverter solder joint on the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid and 2013 ILX Hybrid, and two owners report the code with inverter codes.
    What would change this
    Rises if P1440, P1437 or P0A78 are stored too on those models. Falls if no inverter codes are stored or the VIN is outside the bulletin.
    How to test the hybrid drive motor

  2. Fault in the precharge contactor or its circuit

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The generic code is a fault in that circuit, which could be the contactor, its resistor or its wiring on any hybrid. We found no maker data naming a cause outside the Honda inverter.
    What would change this
    Rises if the maker's test finds the contactor or wiring faulty. Falls if the inverter is found at fault.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes with a scan tool and note any dashboard messages. Do not open or unplug anything in the hybrid system.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP0AE1 is stored with P1440, P1437, P15A5 or P0A78 on a 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid or 2013 ILX Hybrid

      It meansHonda's inverter coverage may apply.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0AE1 is stored alone or on another vehicle

      It meansThe maker's diagnosis decides.

      Go to step 3

  2. Give the VIN to a Honda or Acura dealer and ask whether the motor power inverter extended coverage applies.

    Low riskTool: VIN lookup at a dealer

  3. Have a dealer or hybrid-trained technician test the inverter and the precharge and bypass contactor circuit.

    Best left to a shopTool: factory scan tool and high-voltage safety equipment

    Warning:High voltage: the battery pack, inverter, motors and orange cables carry hundreds of volts that can kill. Do not unplug, probe or touch them. This work needs a hybrid-trained technician who makes the system safe first.

Symptoms

  • IMA or check engine light on
  • Loss of drive power or no restart Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Heavy steering after power loss Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Motor power inverter (Honda, Acura hybrids):High-voltage part. Honda extended coverage to 15 years or 150,000 miles for listed VINs; check before paying. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2012–2015 · Civic

    Supported by vehicle data

    Civic Hybrid: P0AE1 is on Honda's list of inverter codes; one owner lost drive power with P1440 and P0AE1 and was told the VIN was not on the bulletin.

  • A20-030Status unverified

    Motor power inverter warranty extension (Civic Hybrid)

    2012–2015civic · issued · NHTSA 10184658

    Defective inverter solder joint can set P1440, P1437, P15A5, P0A78, P0AE1 and other codes; coverage extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Acura

  • 2013 · ILX

    Supported by vehicle data

    ILX Hybrid: a dealer confirmed P1440, P15A5, P0AE1 and P0DA8 after a no-start, matching bulletin B20-021.

  • B20-021Status unverified

    Motor power inverter warranty extension (ILX Hybrid)

    2013ilx · issued · NHTSA 10184664

    Same as A20-030 for the 2013 ILX Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P1437On Honda hybrids, a short circuit in the motor power inverter module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A20-030 lists P0AE1 and P1437 among the codes from the same inverter solder joint fault.

  • P0A78The inverter that powers hybrid drive motor A is not performing as expected

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Honda bulletin A20-030 also lists P0A78 with P0AE1 for the inverter fault.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P0AE1 questions

Is P0AE1 covered by warranty on a Civic Hybrid?

Possibly. Honda extended the motor power inverter coverage on the 2012-2015 Civic Hybrid to 15 years or 150,000 miles for listed VINs. A dealer can check yours.

Can I fix P0AE1 myself?

No. The contactor and inverter are part of the high-voltage system and need a dealer or hybrid-trained technician.

Sources and review

  1. A20-030: motor power inverter warranty extension (Civic Hybrid) — American Honda
  2. P0AE1 Hybrid/EV Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit — Carly
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 2033317: 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 1995972: 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. B20-021: motor power inverter warranty extension (ILX Hybrid) — American Honda (Acura)
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 1912888: 2013 Acura ILX Hybrid — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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