P0D90
Battery Charger Input Frequency Incorrect.
- Generic
- Powertrain
- Generic code
- Low severity
How this code is built
- P
- SystemPowertrain
- 0
- Defined bySAE, the same on every car
- D
- AreaReserved
- 90
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0D90 is the generic definition for Battery Charger Input Frequency Incorrect. It relates to the on-board charger of a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The control unit monitors the frequency of the AC supply coming in through the charge inlet and has seen it outside the range it accepts, or unstable, so it has set the code and usually stopped or limited charging.
Symptoms
- Vehicle will not charge, or charging starts then stops
- Charge port or dashboard shows a charging fault message
- Charging works at some points but not others
- Charge indicator light flashing or showing a fault
- Warning light on, or a reduced electric range because the battery is not topped up
Possible causes
- Unstable or out-of-range supply from the charging point, home supply or a generator or inverter-type sourcelikely
- Faulty or poor-quality charging cable or portable charging unitpossible
- Damaged, corroded or loose connections at the charge inlet or on the AC input wiring to the on-board chargerpossible
- Fault in the on-board charger's frequency sensing or internal electronicspossible
- Communication or software problem between the charger and the charge control unit, where an outdated calibration is a known cause for the modelrare
- Poor earthing or a supply fault at the premises affecting the incoming waveformrare
How to diagnose
- Read the stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting when the fault was set and whether other charging or high-voltage codes are present
- Try a different charging point and a different charging cable, ideally a known-good public unit, and see if the fault repeats
- Check the supply at the premises is stable and free from faults, using a qualified electrician if the home supply is suspect
- Visually inspect the charge inlet, pins and seals for damage, water, corrosion or heat marks
- Inspect the AC input wiring and connectors to the on-board charger for damage or looseness, following the manufacturer's high-voltage safety procedure
- Check live data for the charger's input voltage and frequency readings during a charge attempt and compare with the supply
- Check for software updates or technical bulletins for the specific model, as procedures depend on the vehicle
- Only qualified high-voltage technicians should test or open the charger itself, after isolating the high-voltage system
How to fix
- Use a different, stable and compliant charging source and have any faulty home supply corrected by a qualified electrician
- Replace a faulty charging cable or portable charging unit
- Clean, repair or replace a damaged charge inlet or AC input wiring and connectors
- Replace the on-board charger if its internal frequency sensing or electronics are confirmed faulty
- Update the charger or control unit software where the manufacturer lists an outdated calibration as a known cause
- Clear the code after repair and complete a full charge to confirm it does not return
Can I keep driving?
Low severity
The car can normally still be driven, as this fault mainly affects charging. Range may be reduced if the battery cannot be charged, so book it in for diagnosis, and stop driving if other high-voltage or safety warnings appear.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.