P0D38

What it means

P0D38 means the control unit monitoring the on-board battery charger has found a fault in the circuit of the charger's 'A' input current sensor. The sensor measures the current drawn from the mains supply while the high-voltage battery charges. The code sets when the signal is out of range, missing, implausible or erratic. The exact trigger limits and sensor location depend on the model.

Symptoms

• Warning light for the charging or hybrid/EV system
• Plug-in charging will not start, stops early or is slower than normal
• Charge current limited or charging interrupted partway
• Charge status display behaving oddly or reporting a charging fault
• Charge port indicator showing an error
• Usually no change in driving behaviour

Possible causes

• Wiring or connector fault in the charger input current sensor circuit (open circuit, short, chafing, corrosion, poor pin tension)likely
• Faulty input current sensor inside the on-board charger assemblylikely
• Fault in the charger control electronics that reads the sensor signalpossible
• Unstable or poor-quality supply from the charging equipment or socket causing implausible current readingspossible
• Low 12 V battery voltage or a poor earth or supply to the charger control circuitpossible
• Outdated control unit software where the manufacturer has issued a correction for this faultrare
• Moisture or physical damage to the charger unit or its harnessrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether other charger, supply or high-voltage battery codes are present, and whether the fault is current or historic.
2. Check the 12 V battery condition and charging voltage, as low voltage can cause false sensor faults.
3. Try a charge using a different known-good charging cable and supply, and see whether the fault returns.
4. Visually inspect the charge port, charger harness and connectors for damage, water ingress, corrosion, heat marks or loose pins, without touching high-voltage components.
5. Check the manufacturer's service information for the sensor circuit layout, then test the low-voltage supply, reference, signal and earth for continuity and shorts as specified. Only technicians trained in high-voltage safety should work on the charger or its high-voltage connections.
6. Monitor live data for charger input current during a charge and look for readings that are zero, stuck or erratic compared with the supply.
7. Check for software updates or technical bulletins applicable to the model and charger.
8. Clear the code and retest with a full charge cycle to confirm whether the fault returns.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring, and clean or replace corroded or loose connectors in the sensor circuit.
• Replace the on-board charger assembly or its input current sensor if testing shows an internal fault, following the manufacturer's procedure.
• Repair or replace the charger control unit if the sensor signal is correct but is misread.
• Replace a weak 12 V battery or repair poor supply and earth connections to the charger.
• Update the control unit software only if the manufacturer lists an update for this fault.
• Have faulty charging equipment or the supply socket repaired or replaced if that is the cause.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0D37GenericHybrid/EV Battery System Current High
• P0D39GenericBattery Charger A Input Current Sensor Circuit Range/Performance