OBD-II fault code

P2E78: Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Temperature Sensor D Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

What it means

The hybrid/EV battery pack coolant temperature sensor D circuit signal is intermittent or erratic, so the temperature reading may be unreliable.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the check-engine light
  • The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode

How it works

Sensor D measures coolant temperature in the hybrid or EV battery pack cooling system. The control module monitors whether its signal remains stable; this code sets when the reading jumps, drops out, or otherwise varies erratically, making pack temperature control less reliable.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Sensor connector not seated
  2. Noisy ground reference
  3. Connector with intermittent contact under vibration

Symptoms

  • EV/hybrid system warning light on
  • Reduced power output or limp mode
  • Charging may fail or be slowed
  • Reduced electric range

How to diagnose it

  1. Use a scan tool to capture freeze-frame data and watch Sensor D live data for dropouts or sudden jumps, especially when the warning occurs.
  2. With the vehicle safely powered down according to its service instructions, check that Sensor D's connector is fully seated and its lock is intact.
  3. Inspect accessible Sensor D wiring and ground-reference connections for chafing, looseness, corrosion, or signs of vibration-related movement.
  4. If permitted by the manufacturer's service procedure, monitor Sensor D data while gently moving the accessible harness to look for an intermittent change.
  5. Test the Sensor D ground reference, connector contact, and wiring continuity against the manufacturer's specification before condemning the sensor.

Common fixes

  • Reseat and secure Sensor D's connector.
  • Clean or repair loose, corroded, or damaged connector and ground-reference connections.
  • Repair wiring that loses contact under vibration.
  • Replace Sensor D if its output remains erratic with verified wiring and connections.

Can I keep driving?

Power and charging may be limited if the vehicle cannot trust the battery coolant temperature reading. Avoid hard acceleration and stop if a battery-temperature or overheating 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.

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