Fault in the on-board charger or charging control module, including the internal pilot switch circuit; Damaged, corroded or wet terminals or connectors at the charge inlet or charger module; Wiring fault in the control pilot circuit, such as a short to voltage or ground or chafing; Faulty charging cable or charge point sending an incorrect pilot signal; Damaged or contaminated charge inlet socket; Outdated or faulty charging control software, only where the manufacturer has a known fix for it.

P0CFE

Control Pilot Charging Switch A Stuck On.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Medium severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
C: AreaHybrid propulsion
FE: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0CFE means the control unit that manages charging has detected that charging switch A in the control pilot circuit is stuck on, so it is signalling to the charge point that the vehicle is ready to charge when it has not commanded that. The control pilot is the signal line between the charge point and the vehicle that sets up and controls AC charging. The fault is set when the measured pilot signal or switch state does not match what the control unit commanded. Exact circuit layout and strategy vary by model, so check the manufacturer's data.

Symptoms

Charging will not start, or stops soon after starting
Charging warning light or message on the dashboard
Charge port indicator shows a fault or does not behave normally
Vehicle may not charge from some charge points but charge from others
Malfunction indicator or hybrid system warning lamp on, depending on model

Possible causes

Fault in the on-board charger or charging control module, including the internal pilot switch circuitlikely
Damaged, corroded or wet terminals or connectors at the charge inlet or charger modulelikely
Wiring fault in the control pilot circuit, such as a short to voltage or ground or chafingpossible
Faulty charging cable or charge point sending an incorrect pilot signalpossible
Damaged or contaminated charge inlet socketpossible
Outdated or faulty charging control software, only where the manufacturer has a known fix for itrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and freeze frame data, and note whether other charging or high voltage codes are present
Ask whether the fault appears with every charge point and cable or only with one, and try a different known good charge point and cable
Visually inspect the charge inlet socket and pins for damage, moisture, debris, burning or corrosion
Inspect the wiring and connectors between the charge inlet and the charger control module for chafing, water ingress and pushed-back pins
Check the manufacturer's data for the pilot signal circuit and test it for shorts and resistance, following the high voltage safety procedure
Monitor live data for the pilot signal state and charging switch status while plugging in and unplugging
Check for technical bulletins or software updates for the charging control module on this model
Only after wiring and inlet are proven good, test or substitute the charger module as the manufacturer directs

How to fix

Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors in the control pilot circuit
Clean or replace a corroded or damaged charge inlet socket, and fix the cause of any water ingress
Replace a faulty charge cable or avoid a faulty charge point and report it to its operator
Replace the on-board charger or charging control module if it is confirmed faulty
Update the charging control software if an outdated calibration is a known cause for this model

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can often still be driven when unplugged, but charging may be unreliable or blocked, so book a check soon. Only high voltage trained technicians should work on the system, and stop using the charge point if you notice heat, burning smells or damage.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.