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 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P0Axx, Hybrid and electric |
| Type | Generic: 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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0A90 The traction motor A gives readings outside the normal range
- P0A91 The traction motor B gives readings outside the normal range
- P0A92 The hybrid generator gives readings outside the normal range
- P0A93 The inverter A cooling system gives readings outside the normal range
- P0A95 The high voltage fuse has blown or is damaged
- P0A96 The high voltage battery cooling fan 2 control has a broken or disconnected wire
- P0A97 The high voltage battery cooling fan 2 has got stuck
- P0A98 The high voltage battery cooling fan 2 has got stuck
- P0A0F Engine failed to start
- P0A1F Battery energy control module fault
- P0A7F Hybrid battery pack deterioration
- P0A80 Replace hybrid battery pack
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.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
