Blown fuse or fusible link supplying the DC/AC converter.; Open or damaged wiring between the converter and the outlet, including chafed harnesses.; Failed DC/AC converter module (internal open circuit or high voltage shutdown).; Poor ground connection at the converter or outlet.; Corroded or loose connector pins at the converter or outlet.; Faulty body control module (BCM) driver circuit for the converter.; Aftermarket accessories improperly wired into the outlet circuit.

DTC codes / B01xx · Airbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems / B012B

B012BDC/AC Converter A High Voltage Power Outlet "E" Circuit/Open

B012B indicates that the body control module (BCM) has detected an open circuit or high voltage condition on the DC/AC converter output for power outlet 'E'. The converter, which turns the vehicle's 12-volt DC into 110/220-volt AC for accessories, is not receiving the expected voltage feedback, so the BCM sets this code and may disable the outlet.

SystemBody

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAirbags, seats, doors, lights and comfort systems

Symptoms you may notice

The power outlet labeled 'E' does not provide AC power to connected devices.
A warning light or message on the dash indicating a power outlet fault.
The outlet may work intermittently or only when the vehicle is running.
Other power outlets may continue to function normally.
Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the outlet is rarely used.

Common causes, most likely first

Blown fuse or fusible link supplying the DC/AC converter.
Open or damaged wiring between the converter and the outlet, including chafed harnesses.
Failed DC/AC converter module (internal open circuit or high voltage shutdown).
Poor ground connection at the converter or outlet.
Corroded or loose connector pins at the converter or outlet.
Faulty body control module (BCM) driver circuit for the converter.
Aftermarket accessories improperly wired into the outlet circuit.

How to diagnose and fix it

Check the fuse and relay for the DC/AC converter circuit and replace if blown.
Inspect the outlet and converter connectors for corrosion, loose pins, or damage.
Measure voltage at the converter input with the outlet switched on; repair wiring if absent.
Test the converter output voltage with a multimeter; replace the converter if no output.
Check ground continuity from the converter housing to chassis; clean and tighten as needed.
If all wiring and converter test good, diagnose the BCM control circuit and reprogram or replace as required.
Clear the code and verify the outlet operates correctly under load.

Before you replace the DC/AC converter

A common oversight is a blown fuse hidden in an inline holder near the converter, not in the main fuse box.
The code can set from a momentary voltage spike when plugging in a high-draw device, so check for pending codes before condemning parts.
Corrosion inside the outlet itself often mimics a converter failure and is easily missed during visual inspection.
Some vehicles require the engine to be running for the converter to enable; testing with the ignition on only can lead to a false diagnosis.
Aftermarket inverters wired into the factory outlet circuit frequently cause this code due to improper grounding.

Can I keep driving with B012B?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because the fault only affects the AC power outlet, but avoid using that outlet until repaired to prevent blown fuses or electrical damage.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.