What it means
The coupler C temperature exceeds the safety threshold during charging. Contact resistance increased or charging current too high.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
Coupler C is one of the temperature-monitored areas of the vehicle's charging connection. The control module monitors its temperature during charging and sets this code when that area exceeds its safety limit, which can happen if the contacts have high resistance or the charging current is excessive.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Coupler contacts oxidised - high resistance
- Charging current above coupler rating
Symptoms
- Charge status indicator shows fault
- Charging may not start or interrupts
- Slower-than-expected charge rate
How to diagnose it
- Review freeze-frame data and charging-system records for the current and conditions when coupler C overheated.
- With charging stopped and the connector safely disconnected, inspect coupler C contacts for oxidation, damage, contamination, or poor fit.
- Compare the reported temperature for coupler C with the other coupler temperature readings and check whether it rises unusually during charging.
- Have the charging current checked against the coupler's rating and the manufacturer's specification.
- If the contacts and current are normal, test coupler C's temperature-sensing circuit and related connections using the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Clean and dry coupler C contacts if permitted by the vehicle and connector manufacturer.
- Repair or replace damaged coupler C terminals or connector components.
- Correct a charging-current or charging-equipment problem that exceeds the coupler rating.
- Repair the coupler C temperature-sensor wiring or replace a faulty sensor if testing identifies it.
Can I keep driving?
Stop charging if the connector or coupler C becomes unusually hot, and do not keep retrying a charge that repeatedly stops with this fault. Continued charging through a high-resistance connection can worsen overheating and damage the connector.
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.