Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Battery Power Off (BPO) Request
The traction battery control module (TBCM) checks the inertia fuel shut off switches, the high voltage interlock (HVIL) circuit, and the traction battery lid tamper switch for an open circuit condition. If the open circuit condition is not detected, the TBCM continuously toggles the BPO output, typically generating a 2 Hz pulse width modulated signal to the PCM. The TBCM also broadcasts a normal message to the PCM over the communication link. When the TBCM detects a condition, it changes the pulse width modulated signal frequency to 6 Hz at 50% duty cycle and broadcasts an error message to the PCM over the communication link. The error message and the 6 Hz frequency indicate to the PCM that the traction battery opens the contactors in 1 second. After the contactors are open the PCM carries out a normal power down sequence to the transaxle control module (TCM) and DC/DC converter.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.