P0CF6

What it means

P0CF6 is the generic code for a Control Pilot Circuit High fault on a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The control pilot is the signal wire between the charging equipment and the car's charge control unit, which the car uses to confirm the connection and agree the charging current. The control unit measured a pilot signal voltage higher than expected, so charging may be refused or interrupted.

Symptoms

• Vehicle will not charge or stops charging shortly after starting
• Charging warning light or message on the dashboard
• Charge port indicator light flashing or showing a fault
• Charging works on one charge point but not another
• Reduced or no plug-in driving range on a plug-in hybrid
• Malfunction indicator lamp or hybrid system warning on

Possible causes

• Fault in the charging cable or external charge point supplying an abnormal pilot signallikely
• Damaged, corroded or contaminated pins or terminals in the vehicle charge inletlikely
• Wiring fault between the charge inlet and the charge control unit, such as a short to voltage or a chafed wirepossible
• Poor connection or water ingress at a connector in the pilot circuitpossible
• Faulty on-board charger or charge control unitpossible
• Outdated control unit software that misreads the pilot signal (model-specific, check manufacturer information)rare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether the fault was set during charging and whether other charging or high-voltage codes are present.
2. Try a different charging cable and a different charge point to see whether the fault follows the equipment or the car.
3. Visually inspect the charge inlet for bent, burnt, corroded or wet pins, debris and a damaged latch or flap.
4. Check the charge inlet wiring and connectors back to the charge control unit for chafing, pushed-out terminals, moisture and corrosion.
5. Following the manufacturer's procedure, measure the pilot signal at the inlet and at the control unit with the cable connected, comparing it with the expected values for that model. Only high-voltage trained staff should work on this system.
6. Check the supply voltage and earths to the charge control unit and on-board charger.
7. Check for software updates or service bulletins covering this code for the specific model and engine.
8. Clear the code and retest charging to see whether the fault returns.

How to fix

• Replace the faulty charging cable or report the faulty charge point to its operator.
• Clean or replace the damaged charge inlet or its terminals.
• Repair or replace the damaged wiring or connector in the pilot circuit and seal against moisture.
• Replace the charge control unit or on-board charger if testing proves it is at fault, and carry out any required setup for that model.
• Update the control unit software if the manufacturer lists an outdated calibration as a known cause.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0CF5GenericControl Pilot Circuit Low
• P0CF7GenericControl Pilot Circuit Intermittent/Erratic