P0AE1 on 2013-2014 Acura ILX (Hybrid, Hybrid Tech) — Hybrid Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $2,000-$4,000 repair
How to diagnose and fix P0AE1: most-reported vehicles
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Acura ILX · 2013–2014
The ILX Hybrid used the Civic Hybrid's Integrated Motor Assist system - a 1.5L engine with a thin motor-generator between engine and CVT and a nickel-metal-hydride IMA battery pack. It sold in tiny numbers for only two model years and was dropped after 2014. The IMA pack degrades: individual cell sticks fall out of balance, capacity drops, the state-of-charge display swings wildly from full to empty, assist and regen are cut, and the IMA warning light and check engine light illuminate. Acura acknowledged the pattern with Service Bulletin 12-012 (revised June 2015) establishing an IMA Battery Exchange Program covering ILX (and RLX Sport Hybrid) IMA batteries for any internal failure requiring module disassembly - explicitly including out-of-warranty vehicles. Owners also report a second, separate problem: repeated 12V accessory battery failures and no-crank conditions, which on an IMA car is often a symptom of the hybrid system not charging the 12V properly rather than a bad 12V battery.
Common Symptoms
- IMA warning light illuminated
- Check engine light
- State of charge gauge swings rapidly between full and empty
- Loss of electric assist and regenerative braking
- Reduced fuel economy
- Repeated 12V accessory battery failure
- No crank / will not start requiring a jump
How to Fix
Have the dealer read the IMA system codes and run a battery capacity/module test before buying anything. Acura Service Bulletin 12-012 (IMA Battery Exchange Program) is the lever - it covers internal IMA battery failures including out-of-warranty cars and should be quoted by number when the service writer says the car is too old. A battery-management recalibration update was also released for IMA cars that changes charge/discharge management and can restore usable capacity on a marginal pack. Full IMA pack replacement runs roughly $2,000-$4,000; reconditioned packs are available for less. If the complaint is repeated 12V battery death, diagnose the DC-DC converter and parasitic draw before replacing the 12V again.
Sources for this issue (3)
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P0AE1 code reference
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Frequently asked questions
What does P0AE1 mean?
P0AE1 stands for "Hybrid Battery Precharge Contactor Circuit." A general fault in the hybrid battery precharge contactor circuit. The precharge contactor (with a resistor) limits inrush current to the inverter capacitors before the main contactors close.
What are the most common causes of P0AE1?
The most common causes of P0AE1 are: Failed precharge contactor or resistor, Open/shorted precharge circuit, Connector fault, BMS/control fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0AE1?
Repair costs for P0AE1 range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P0AE1?
Au7o has documented P0AE1 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Acura.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.