P0CF3
Control Pilot Circuit /Open.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- C
- AreaHybrid propulsion
- F3
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0CF3 is a generic code meaning the control pilot circuit is open. The control pilot is the signal line between the charging equipment and the vehicle's on-board charging control unit, and it tells the car that a charger is connected and what current is available. The control unit has seen an open-circuit condition on this line, so it cannot establish or maintain a valid charging handshake.
Symptoms
- Vehicle will not start charging when plugged in
- Charging starts then stops, or fails to start intermittently
- Charging indicator, light or dashboard message shows a charging fault
- Hybrid or EV system warning light on
- Charge port lock or charge status behaves oddly
Possible causes
- Damaged, dirty, corroded or bent pins in the vehicle charge inlet, including the control pilot pinlikely
- Open circuit, broken wire or poor connector contact in the control pilot wiring between the charge inlet and the charging control unitlikely
- Faulty or damaged charging cable or external charging unit that is not supplying a proper control pilot signalpossible
- Water ingress or corrosion in the inlet or related connectorspossible
- Poor power supply or earth to the on-board charging control unitpossible
- Internal fault in the on-board charger or charging control unitrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting any other charging or high-voltage system faults and when the code set
- Try a different charging cable and a different charging point to rule out the external equipment, and check whether the fault follows the equipment or the car
- Visually inspect the charge inlet and the plug for bent, burnt, dirty or corroded pins, damaged seals and moisture
- Inspect the wiring and connectors from the charge inlet to the charging control unit for chafing, pushed-out pins, corrosion or water
- Following the manufacturer's procedure, check continuity of the control pilot wire and test the signal at the inlet with suitable charging equipment connected
- Check the power supply, fuses and earth connections to the charging control unit
- Check for related manufacturer service information or software updates for the specific model, as the procedure varies by vehicle
- If wiring, inlet and equipment all test good, test or substitute the charging control unit as directed by the manufacturer
How to fix
- Replace or repair a faulty charging cable or external charging unit
- Clean or replace a damaged or corroded charge inlet
- Repair or replace broken wiring and faulty connectors on the control pilot circuit, and dry and seal any areas where water has got in
- Restore a poor supply or earth to the charging control unit
- Replace the on-board charger or charging control unit if confirmed faulty, and carry out any programming the manufacturer requires
Can I keep driving?
The car can usually still be driven while there is enough charge or fuel, but it may not be able to charge, so you could be left without range. Have it checked soon, and avoid repeated charging attempts if you see signs of heat, burning or water in the inlet.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.