P0D23
Battery Charger A Output Shorted.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Medium severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- D
- AreaReserved
- 23
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0D23 means the control unit that manages the on-board battery charger has detected that the output of charger 'A' is shorted. This is the high-voltage DC side that feeds the traction battery, not the mains input. The control unit saw output voltage or current, or an insulation or short-circuit check, outside the expected range, and stopped or limited charging. Which circuit counts as 'charger A' depends on the vehicle, so check the manufacturer's data.
Symptoms
- Vehicle will not charge, or charging stops soon after it starts
- Charging or powertrain warning light on the dashboard
- Charging indicator at the port shows a fault or does not light
- Reduced or no electric drive on a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle
- Battery charge level does not rise after being plugged in
Possible causes
- Internal fault in the on-board charger output stagelikely
- Damaged, chafed or water-affected high-voltage wiring between the charger and the batterylikely
- Faulty or contaminated high-voltage connector or junction between charger and batterypossible
- Fault inside the battery pack or its contactor and junction box that appears as a short on the charger outputpossible
- Water or coolant ingress into the charger housingpossible
- Fault in the charger control unit or its low-voltage supply or communicationrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored and pending codes plus freeze frame data, and note whether other charging, insulation or battery codes are present.
- Check whether the fault returns with a different, known-good charging point and cable, and inspect the charge port and cable for damage, burning or moisture.
- Check the low-voltage battery condition and the fuses and connectors for the charger control unit, as a weak supply can cause false faults.
- Visually inspect accessible charger and high-voltage cable routing for chafing, crush damage, water ingress or impact damage, without touching orange high-voltage components.
- Leave all high-voltage testing to a technician trained and equipped for it: follow the manufacturer's shutdown and isolation procedure, then verify the system is dead.
- With the system isolated, test the charger output circuit for shorts and insulation resistance against the manufacturer's limits.
- Inspect high-voltage connectors for corrosion, heat marks or bent terminals, and check the charger cooling circuit where fitted.
- Check for relevant manufacturer service bulletins for this model, as the cause and procedure vary by vehicle.
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged high-voltage wiring, following the manufacturer's procedure.
- Clean, repair or replace faulty high-voltage connectors and seals.
- Replace the on-board charger if testing confirms an internal output short.
- Dry out and repair any water ingress, and replace affected components as required.
- Repair or replace the faulty battery pack component if the short is traced there.
- Repair low-voltage supply or communication faults to the charger control unit if found.
Can I keep driving?
On a plug-in hybrid the car can usually still be driven on the engine, but an electric-only car may only run until the battery is depleted and then cannot be recharged. Stop and seek help immediately if you notice a burning smell, smoke, or high-voltage warnings, and do not touch orange cables.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.