What it means
Battery charger B reports a enable circuit range/performance condition. HV charging operation may be impaired.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
Charger B's enable circuit carries a signal the module uses to decide whether charging is permitted. P2E38 sets when the signal is present but falls outside the expected range or behaves inconsistently, which can result from voltage drift, a high-resistance contact, or a circuit element outside calibration.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Enable voltage drifted
- High-resistance contact
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration window
Symptoms
- Charge status indicator shows fault
- Charging may not start or interrupts
- Slower-than-expected charge rate
How to diagnose it
- Use freeze-frame and live data to observe charger B enable signal behavior and identify whether the fault occurs during a particular charging condition.
- Inspect the enable wiring and connectors for looseness, corrosion, damage, or signs of a high-resistance contact.
- Check whether the enable signal changes smoothly and consistently under the manufacturer's specified operating conditions.
- Measure the enable circuit and connection voltage drop using the manufacturer's procedure and compare with its specification.
- If the harness and connections are sound, test the circuit element and charger B module input for drift or an internal performance fault.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure a high-resistance or loose enable connection.
- Repair damaged enable wiring or connector terminals.
- Replace an enable circuit element that fails the manufacturer's calibration checks.
- Replace the charger B module only if testing confirms an internal performance fault.
Can I keep driving?
Charging may be intermittent or slower than expected because charger B's enable signal is not behaving consistently. Monitor charging status and do not depend on a partial charge for a longer trip; stop charging if a high-voltage warning appears.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.