What Is the P0AF8 Code?
Symptoms
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Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
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The P0AF8 code definition is “Hybrid/EV Battery System Voltage.” This code means that your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or Engine Control Module (ECM) has noted a problem with your battery pack voltage being lower than expected. This is a generic error code, but it will only be in an engine type partially or completely powered by electricity rather than fuel, a Hybrid Vehicle (HV), or an Electric Vehicle (EV).
More About Error Code P0AF8
A vehicle powered partially or completely by electricity will utilize a battery pack composed of several individual battery cells. Some batteries will have hundreds of cells. To ensure your battery is not degrading, your vehicle’s hybrid PCM will monitor the total voltage output from the battery pack, including the hybrid battery pack. This code indicates that the output voltage coming from the complete battery pack is lower than expected or that the signal level is incorrect in this process, which can happen due to a problem with the battery.
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What Are the Symptoms of a P0AF8 Code?
The main symptoms of the P0AF8 code relate to the charging system, as this problem is generally part of the battery system. The high-voltage system, which is your vehicle’s general battery for actual driving, may not function. Sometimes, the vehicle won’t charge, so your range will be capped, and you won’t be able to “refuel.” Your check engine light should also turn on.
What Are Some Causes of a P0AF8 Code?
Many of the causes of the P0AF8 code have to do with your vehicle battery current. That includes problems with your vehicle’s 12V battery or a secondary battery that the vehicle in question will usually use to power accessories, such as the headlights, audio systems, and computer controls. The high-voltage battery, which is the main battery inside your vehicle, may also be experiencing issues. This code doesn’t usually happen due to complete battery failure, but it may be due to a problem with the battery assembly. Finally, your battery energy control module, battery disconnect control module, charger module, motor control module, or accessory power module may have also failed. Sometimes, it involves another electrical failure, such as a problem with a charger fuse, relay failure, ground cables, or even a wiring harness within the battery contactor assembly.
How Serious Is the P0AF8 Code?
The P0AF8 code is extremely serious. Your vehicle will often stop functioning altogether, as the electric system is critical for hybrid and electric vehicles. While it may seem like the “less important” battery charge in an electric vehicle, the low voltage system, which is the 12V system, is possibly even more important than the high voltage system. The 12V regulates most of the systems in the vehicle, including charging, which means if the 12 volt system has an issue, the vehicle will be unable to charge its high voltage battery. If you can’t charge, you have a maximum cap on the distance you can drive your vehicle before it stops functioning entirely. If you see the P0AF8 code, you should check it out as soon as possible, even if the problem seems like it’s not causing many symptoms.
Can I Still Drive with a P0AF8 Code?
You can drive with the P0AF8 code, but probably not for long. As previously mentioned, the main problems with the P0AF8 code have to do with problems charging, which are fundamentally important for a hybrid or electric vehicle. Even if it seems like you’re fine to charge and nothing is wrong, the likelihood of your vehicle experiencing damage and requiring a more difficult and expensive repair, like battery replacement, is fairly high. Stop driving the vehicle and get expert help with this fault code.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0AF8 Code?
Diagnosis for a P0AF8 code is difficult most of the time. This is because determining the core problem for this permanent code is often challenging, and battery pack replacement can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the battery sections are also the core component of your vehicle. If you try to fix the problem yourself but end up harming an element of the vehicle, it might be much more difficult to fix overall. An expert will be able to get to the bottom of the problem and solve it in a way that doesn’t require any follow-up repairs.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0AF8 Code?
In general, the inspection of the electric components of a hybrid or electric vehicle is difficult. Inspecting code P0AF8 might be difficult because fewer resources are geared specifically toward these kinds of vehicles. Hybrid and electric vehicles are much newer and use different technology than typical gas or diesel-powered vehicles. While some components, like the automatic transmission, will probably be very familiar, this area is best to leave to an expert who can help you inspect the code and determine the problem.
Need Additional Help with Your P0AF8 Code?
Most HVs and EVs require extra assistance when it comes to codes that specifically have to do with the battery system, and this is one of them. It’s best to get additional help to ensure the health of your vehicle.
First, you should find an auto repair shop in your area. Most automobile repair shops at this point know service information for electric vehicles, but it’s worth it to call ahead so you can find a local repair shop that will handle your car well.
Some problems will also come with secondary diagnostic trouble codes. If you see additional error codes, check out the OBD-II database at KBB.com for more insight into these codes.
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