P1E00 Chevrolet Volt: a hybrid control module has stored its own fault codes and is asking the engine computer to turn on the check engine light

Hybrid Module Requested MIL (Chevrolet Volt)

P1E00 in short

On a Chevrolet Volt, P1E00 means a hybrid control module stored a fault and asked for the check engine light. The real problem is in that module's codes, often a charging fault or, on 2016–2018 Volts, the battery energy control module. Get it checked soon, and stop if power drops. This is not DIY.

Some faults on the Chevrolet Volt are detected by hybrid control modules rather than by the engine computer. When one of those modules stores a fault that should light the check engine light, the engine computer stores P1E00 as a pointer. P1E00 on its own does not say what failed; the codes in the other module do.

GM's bulletins PIC5803 and PIC5803C describe P1E00 in the engine computer with P0D3E or P0D3F in hybrid powertrain control module 2 after a charge did not finish or was interrupted. The first checks there are the home charging equipment and the outlet, then a charger module update.

On 2016–2018 Volts, owners report P1E00 alongside a long list of U26xx communication codes from the battery energy control module, which sits inside the high-voltage battery pack. Several report a "Propulsion Power Reduced" message and loss of power, and dealers replaced the module. NHTSA opened an investigation into this module on 2016–2019 Volts, and GM extended coverage on 2016–2018 models.

We found sources tying P1E00 to Chevrolet only. On other makes this code may mean something else, so check that maker's service information.

These parts are part of a high-voltage system. The orange cables and the battery pack are not for owners to touch or probe. Diagnosis belongs with a dealer or a hybrid-trained technician.

Pick your make

P1E00 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed battery energy control module inside the battery pack (2016–2018 Volt)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Most NHTSA complaints that name P1E00 are 2016–2018 Volts where it appeared with battery control module U26xx codes and the dealer replaced that module. NHTSA's PE23022 investigation covers the same module failing.
    What would change this
    Rises if U26xx codes are stored with P1E00 or the car showed "Propulsion Power Reduced". Falls on 2011–2015 Volts or when only charging codes are stored.

  2. Charge did not finish or was interrupted (home charger, outlet or charger module)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    GM's PIC5803 and PIC5803C name P1E00 with P0D3E or P0D3F from interrupted charging. An owner of a 2012 Volt reports the dealer fixed a P1E00 loss of power with this bulletin.
    What would change this
    Rises if P0D3E or P0D3F is stored, or the problem started after charging on a new outlet or charger. Falls if the car charges normally on other equipment and U26xx codes are present.

  3. Another fault stored in a hybrid control module

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    P1E00 only shows that a hybrid module requested the light. Any fault that module stores can be behind it, so the module's own codes decide the repair.
    What would change this
    Rises when the hybrid modules hold codes other than the two patterns above. Falls once one of the patterns above is confirmed.

What to test first

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

  1. Read codes from every module, not just the engine computer. Many basic code readers only see P1E00; a scan tool that reads the hybrid modules, or a dealer, is needed. Write down any dashboard messages.

    Low riskTool: Scan tool that reads hybrid modules

    • IfU26xx codes are stored with P1E00 on a 2016–2018 Volt

      It meansThis is the pattern owners report with a failed battery energy control module.

      Go to step 3

    • IfP0D3E or P0D3F is stored with P1E00

      It meansThis is GM's interrupted-charge pattern.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOnly P1E00 shows

      It meansThe reader cannot see the hybrid modules' codes.

      Go to step 4

  2. Try charging with the cord that came with the car on a different outlet, and note whether the charge finishes. Ask a dealer whether PIC5803 or the charger module update applies.

    Low riskTool: Factory charge cord

  3. Give the VIN to a Chevrolet dealer and ask whether special coverage N232432680 for the battery energy control module applies.

    Low riskTool: VIN lookup at a dealer

  4. Have a dealer or hybrid-trained technician read all hybrid module codes and run GM's diagnostics for them.

    Best left to a shopTool: GM 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

  • Check engine light on
  • Battery will not charge or charging stops early
  • "Propulsion Power Reduced" message Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Loss of power while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Car will not start or move 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

  • Battery energy control module:Mounted inside the high-voltage battery pack, so replacement is dealer work. Check special coverage N232432680 on 2016–2018 Volts 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

Chevrolet

  • 2016–2018 · Volt

    Supported by vehicle data

    Owners report P1E00 with U26xx battery control module codes, "Propulsion Power Reduced" and loss of power, fixed by replacing the battery energy control module. GM special coverage N232432680 extends that module's coverage. These are owner reports and are labelled vehicle data.

  • 2011–2017 · Volt

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIC5803 and PIC5803C cover P1E00 with P0D3E or P0D3F after an interrupted charge. Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • PIC5803Status unverified

    Charge incomplete or interrupted, MIL with P0D3E or P0D3F with P1E00

    2011–2017volt · issued · NHTSA 10112753

    P1E00 in the engine computer with P0D3E or P0D3F in hybrid powertrain control module 2 after an interrupted charge; check the home charging equipment and outlet.

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

  • PIC5803CStatus unverified

    Charge incomplete or interrupted, MIL with P0D3E or P0D3F with P1E00

    2011–2017volt · issued · NHTSA 10113030

    Same code pattern; repair is a battery charger control module update.

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

No curated relationships for P1E00 yet.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P1E00 questions

Is it safe to drive a Volt with P1E00?

Only to get it checked, and only while it drives normally. If "Propulsion Power Reduced" appears or power drops, stop somewhere safe and have it towed.

Why does my code reader only show P1E00?

P1E00 is a pointer stored by the engine computer. The real fault codes are in the hybrid modules, which many basic readers cannot read.

Is the battery control module covered on a 2016–2018 Volt?

GM special coverage N232432680 extends coverage of that module to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Give the VIN to a Chevrolet dealer to check.

Sources and review

  1. Charge incomplete or interrupted, MIL with P1E00 (Preliminary Information PIC5803) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  2. Owner complaints: 2016–2018 Chevrolet Volt, P1E00 with battery energy control module (BECM) codes — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. NHTSA preliminary evaluation PE23022: loss of motive power due to the battery energy control module (2016–2019 Chevrolet Volt) — CarComplaints.com
  4. NHTSA complaint 10574774: 2012 Chevrolet Volt, loss of drive power with P1E00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaint 11571609: 2017 Chevrolet Volt, reduced propulsion with P1E00 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  6. Charge incomplete or interrupted, MIL with P1E00 (Preliminary Information PIC5803C) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. Maintenance and Safety of Electric Vehicles — Alternative Fuels Data Center, U.S. Department of Energy
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.