P101C on 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander (Outlander PHEV (CHAdeMO-equipped)) — Quick Charging Contactor (N) Stuck / Welded
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $150-$2,500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P101C: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander · 2014–2021
The PHEV isolates its CHAdeMO fast-charge port from the traction pack with quick-charge contactors. An abnormal-current event during a DC fast charge session — a station that drops or spikes current, or a handshake that aborts mid-session — can weld the negative quick-charge contactor closed. Once welded, the EV-ECU can no longer prove the fast-charge circuit is isolated, so it sets P101C and throws 'EV system service required'; owners on the PHEV forum report the fault appearing immediately after a fast charge, sometimes with the charging station itself reporting 'failure to communicate with vehicle'. AC (Type 1/Type 2) charging often still works, which is what makes people mis-blame the charge point rather than the car.
Common Symptoms
- 'EV system service required' warning immediately after DC fast charging
- CHAdeMO session aborts or never starts
- Charging station shows 'failure to communicate with vehicle'
- AC charging still works normally
- Reduced EV range or turtle/limp mode
How to Fix
Read the code with a PHEV-capable tool — a generic OBD reader will not return P101C. Mitsubishi issued a service bulletin covering fast-charge abnormal-current detection, and in a number of cases a software update to the EV/charging control resolves the fault, so ask the dealer for the current calibration first. If the contactor is physically welded, the quick-charge contactor assembly has to be replaced by a high-voltage-qualified technician. Interim workaround owners use: charge on AC only and avoid the fast charger that triggered it.
Sources for this issue (3)
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P101C code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P101C mean?
P101C stands for "Quick Charging Contactor (N) Stuck / Welded." The PHEV-ECU checks the state of the negative-side quick-charging contactor against its command. When the contactor remains closed after the ECU has commanded it open (welded or mechanically stuck contacts), the ECU stores P101C. The companion code P101B covers the positive-side (P) contactor. Because a stuck DC-charge contactor is a high-voltage safety hazard, the vehicle restricts motor output and disables quick charging; if P101B and P101C set together the vehicle will not enter 'Ready' at all.
What are the most common causes of P101C?
The most common causes of P101C are: Negative quick-charging contactor contacts welded shut from arcing during DC fast charge, Contactor mechanical failure or coil fault, Abnormal current detected during fast charge (addressed by a Mitsubishi PHEV-ECU software update on some vehicles), Wiring or connector fault in the contactor drive circuit. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P101C?
Repair costs for P101C range from $150 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P101C?
Au7o has documented P101C across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Mitsubishi.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.