P1E00 on Chevrolet: How to Diagnose & Fix
Hybrid Powertrain Control Module Requested MIL Illumination
3 Chevrolet models · 5 documented issues · 3 critical
P1E00 on Chevrolet by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
NHTSA received 61 complaints about second-generation Volts losing motive power due to Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failure. The BECM manages the high-voltage battery system, and when it fails, the vehicle can stall, enter a reduced power state, or refuse to start. Loss of power can occur at any speed, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle may be unable to restart after a BECM-related shutdown.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of propulsion power while driving
- Vehicle enters reduced power mode unexpectedly
- Vehicle will not start or restart after shutdown
- Multiple warning messages on dashboard simultaneously
- Battery system fault codes stored in BECM
How to Fix
BECM replacement at a dealer costs $1,500-$3,000. The module must be programmed to the specific vehicle VIN. Check if a software update addresses your specific BECM behavior before committing to replacement. For vehicles under Voltec warranty (8 years/100,000 miles), BECM replacement is covered at no cost; GM Special Coverage N232432680 extends BECM coverage on 2016-2018 Volts to 15 years/150,000 miles.
Sources for this issue (3)
First-generation Volts (2011-2015) can experience battery coolant heater failure. The heating coil is located inside the battery pack and can develop isolation faults, causing the vehicle to run on gasoline only when the battery is below 50 degrees F. The poor design placement requires opening the battery pack to test and replace the heater coil. A failing heater can cause a loss of high-voltage isolation (DTC P0AA6); GM's bulletin PIC5920 expects the HPCM2 isolation test resistance to read 275 kOhms or greater. This significantly reduces EV range in cold weather and can trigger fault codes.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle runs on gasoline only in cold weather (below 50F)
- Battery will not charge or hold charge in cold temperatures
- Reduced EV range in winter months
- Engine runs constantly even with full battery charge
- Battery coolant temperature warning messages
How to Fix
Have the dealer measure the heater coil resistance (should be 80 ohms). Replacement requires removing and opening the battery pack, which is a major service operation ($1,500-$2,500). Under the Voltec warranty (8yr/100k mi), this is covered at no cost. For out-of-warranty vehicles, some EV specialty shops can perform the repair for less than dealer pricing.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (2)
When towing or driving on steep grades, the Silverado EV may display a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning and limit motor output significantly. GM describes this as a normal response when high-voltage battery power is limited by low state of charge or battery temperature extremes; no propulsion-related trouble codes are set.
Common Symptoms
- Propulsion power reduced message
- Significant loss of power while towing
- Power limited on steep grades
- Battery temperature warnings
- Reduced range during heavy load
How to Fix
GM's guidance (Bulletin 25-NA-222) treats this as normal operation rather than a software fault: charge the battery if it is at about 20% or below to restore normal power limits; in hot weather reduce cabin cooling so the system can cool the battery and precondition the battery about 30 minutes before DC fast charging; in cold weather keep the truck plugged in after a full charge. Reduce towing speed to lower thermal load. If the issue persists, the dealer can inspect the battery cooling system for pump or valve faults.
Sources for this issue (1)
All 2017-2022 Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV vehicles were subject to a massive recall for battery fire risk. LG Energy Solution manufactured battery cells with two simultaneous defects — a torn anode tab and a folded separator — that could cause an internal short circuit and thermal runaway (fire) during charging, particularly when the battery was charged to 100%. Multiple Bolt EVs caught fire while parked and charging, leading GM to halt sales and production temporarily. 2017-2019 cars (recall 21V-560) received replacement batteries at no cost; for most 2020-2022 Bolt EV and 2022 Bolt EUV cars (recall 21V-650), GM changed the remedy in 2023 to advanced diagnostic software, replacing modules only where a defect is found.
Common Symptoms
- Recall notification from GM or NHTSA
- Battery warning messages on dashboard
- Charging stopped or limited by vehicle software
- Vehicle limits charging to 90% automatically
- Burning smell or smoke from under vehicle (EMERGENCY: call 911)
How to Fix
Check your VIN at my.chevrolet.com/recalls or NHTSA.gov. 2017-2019 Bolts receive a FREE battery module replacement with updated LG cells that do not have the manufacturing defects; most 2020-2022 Bolts instead receive free advanced diagnostic software, and the battery is replaced if the software detects a defect. The replacement also includes updated battery management software and an extended 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the new battery. If you have not had the recall completed, schedule it immediately at any Chevrolet dealer. Until the recall is completed, GM advises: do not charge above 90%, do not deplete below 70 miles of range, do not charge indoors overnight, and park outside away from structures.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
The Bolt EV 60/66 kWh battery pack experiences capacity degradation over time, reducing the vehicle range from the original EPA rating. Owner measurements on early 2017-2018 original LG packs vary, from under 2% at about 20,000 miles to about 8% at 70,000 miles. Vehicles that received the recall battery replacement generally show slower degradation rates. Factors that accelerate degradation include frequent DC fast charging, regularly charging to 100%, leaving the battery at full charge for extended periods, and exposure to extreme heat. The battery management system (BMS) also recalibrates periodically, which can cause sudden apparent range drops.
Common Symptoms
- Reduced range compared to when vehicle was new
- Full charge shows fewer estimated miles
- Range drops significantly in cold weather
- Battery percentage drops faster than expected
- GOM (Guess-O-Meter) range estimate increasingly inaccurate
How to Fix
Use the Hilltop Reserve or Target Charge Level feature to limit charging to 80-90% for daily driving — this significantly reduces degradation. Avoid DC fast charging for daily use; save it for road trips. The Bolt EV battery has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty covering degradation below 60% of original capacity. Vehicles that received the recall battery get a new warranty starting from the replacement date. Monitor battery capacity using the Energy screen or a Torque Pro app with an OBD-II adapter to track state of health over time.
Sources for this issue (2)
P1E00 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 P1E00 mean on a Chevrolet?
P1E00 stands for "Hybrid Powertrain Control Module Requested MIL Illumination." This manufacturer-specific code (common on GM hybrids such as the Chevrolet Volt) means a hybrid powertrain control module has detected its own fault and requested that the engine computer turn on the check engine light (MIL). In other words, P1E00 is a 'pointer' code: it tells you a separate hybrid-system DTC has been stored elsewhere and is the real reason the light is on. The engine computer sets P1E00 in response to that request. To diagnose it, the underlying hybrid or battery system code(s) must be read and addressed. On Chevrolet it is documented across 3 models: Volt, Silverado EV, Bolt EV.
What are the most common causes of P1E00?
The most common causes of P1E00 are: An underlying hybrid system DTC stored in another module, High-voltage battery or battery management fault, Motor/generator or inverter fault, Communication/serial data issue between modules, Software needing an update, Wiring or connector fault within the hybrid system, Faulty hybrid powertrain control module (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P1E00 on a Chevrolet?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Chevrolet model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
Looking for P1E00 on a different make?
View P1E00 across all makes →Join 700+ subscribers following Au7o for vehicle insights and updates.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.