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P0A94: DC/DC converter performance

The hybrid system’s voltage converter is not performing as it should. Inverter cooling, power supply or the converter itself are usually to blame.

Code P0A94 at a glance
CodeP0A94
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP0Axx, Hybrid and electric
TypeGeneric: it means the same on every make
Can you keep driving?With care

What P0A94 means

A DC/DC converter changes one direct current voltage into another. In hybrids it may be the one that steps high voltage down to charge the 12 V battery, or the one that steps it up to drive the electric motors; which one this code monitors is up to each manufacturer. The ECU stores it when the converter’s output voltage or current is not what it expects.

Most common causes

  • Low coolant level in the inverter cooling circuit
  • Electric inverter coolant pump not working
  • Weak 12 V battery or loose terminals
  • Loose, corroded or blown converter fuse or connector
  • Faulty DC/DC converter or inverter

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light and hybrid system warning
  • 12 V charging warning light on
  • Limited power or limp mode
  • The car may shut down or fail to go into READY mode

Can you drive with P0A94?

With care You can drive with care, but the car may lose power or run out of voltage and stop. Get it to a hybrid specialist as soon as possible.

How to check it

With the car cold, check the inverter coolant reservoir, which is separate from the engine one. With the reader, check 12 V battery voltage with the car in READY: if it does not rise above about 13 V, the converter is not charging.

How to read and clear P0A94 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0A94 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0A94 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Hyundai, Mini, Seat, Volvo. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

What does code P0A94 mean?

A DC/DC converter changes one direct current voltage into another. In hybrids it may be the one that steps high voltage down to charge the 12 V battery, or the one that steps it up to drive the electric motors; which one this code monitors is up to each manufacturer. The ECU stores it when the converter’s output voltage or current is not what it expects.

Can you drive with P0A94?

You can drive with care, but the car may lose power or run out of voltage and stop. Get it to a hybrid specialist as soon as possible.

How do you clear P0A94?

With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0A94 comes back.