P0B60

What it means

P0B60 is a generic code meaning the hybrid or EV battery control unit has seen a voltage signal that is too low on the circuit for the battery voltage sensor labelled 'H'. It usually points to a fault in the sensing circuit or sensor, such as an open circuit, a short to ground or high resistance. It does not necessarily mean the traction battery is actually low. Which sensor is 'H' and where it sits depends on the model and battery design.

Symptoms

• Hybrid or EV system warning light, or malfunction indicator lamp, on
• Reduced power or the car going into a limited performance mode
• Hybrid system not allowing the car to go into Ready, or failing to start in EV mode
• Poor or inaccurate battery state of charge reading
• Engine running more than normal on a hybrid, or reduced regenerative braking
• Intermittent faults that come and go with vibration or temperature

Possible causes

• Wiring fault in the voltage sense circuit, such as chafing, a short to ground or an open circuitlikely
• Poor connection or corrosion at the battery monitoring unit, sensor or pack connectorlikely
• Faulty battery voltage sensor or sensing channel within the battery monitoring unitpossible
• Low or unstable 12 V supply or poor earth to the battery control unit affecting the sense readingpossible
• Internal battery pack fault, such as a failing module or loose internal sense leadpossible
• Battery control unit fault or outdated software where the manufacturer lists it as a known causerare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting whether other battery, insulation or 12 V codes are present.
2. Check the condition and charge of the 12 V battery and its terminals, as low supply voltage can upset the control units.
3. Visually inspect the accessible low-voltage wiring and connectors to the battery control unit for damage, water, corrosion or pushed-back pins, without touching any orange high-voltage cabling.
4. With a scan tool, compare the reported total pack voltage and individual module or block voltages for the affected sense channel, and look for a reading that is implausibly low or erratic.
5. Wiggle-test the harness while watching live data to see if the reading drops out, which points to a wiring or connector fault.
6. Following the manufacturer's procedure for the model, and only by a technician trained in high-voltage safety with the system isolated, test the sense circuit for continuity, short to ground and resistance.
7. Check for relevant technical bulletins or software updates for the specific model before condemning the pack or control unit.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring and terminals in the sense circuit, then clear the code and confirm it does not return.
• Clean, refit or replace corroded or loose connectors at the battery control unit or pack.
• Correct any 12 V battery or earth problem found.
• Replace the faulty voltage sensor or battery monitoring unit if testing proves it is at fault.
• Repair or replace the affected battery module or pack section if an internal fault is confirmed, by a suitably qualified specialist.
• Apply a manufacturer software update only if it is a documented fix for this fault.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0B5FGenericHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense H Circuit Range/Performance
• P0B61GenericHybrid/EV Battery Voltage Sense H Circuit High