A failing DC/DC converter voltage sensor or its internal electronics producing an erratic signal; Corroded, loose, or chafed wiring and connector pins in the sensor circuit, especially where the harness passes near heat or vibration; Water intrusion or contamination at the converter or sensor connector causing intermittent contact; A poor ground connection shared by the converter, sensor, or control module; An internally failing DC/DC converter that produces unstable output, which the sensor faithfully reports as erratic; A software or calibration issue in the control module that misinterprets a normal signal; Rarely, a failing control module driver circuit for the sensor reference or signal line

DTC codes / P0Exx · Hybrid propulsion / P0E35

P0E35DC/DC Converter Voltage Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic

Q: What does code P0E35 mean?

DC/DC Converter Voltage Sensor A Intermittent/Erratic. P0E35 means the powertrain control module has detected an intermittent or erratic voltage signal from the sensor that monitors the output of the DC/DC converter, which is the component that steps high-voltage battery power down to charge the 12-volt system. The computer is not reporting a hard failure; it is flagging a signal that drops out, spikes, or jumps around in a way that does not match expected converter operation.

P0E35 means the powertrain control module has detected an intermittent or erratic voltage signal from the sensor that monitors the output of the DC/DC converter, which is the component that steps high-voltage battery power down to charge the 12-volt system. The computer is not reporting a hard failure; it is flagging a signal that drops out, spikes, or jumps around in a way that does not match expected converter operation.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or a hybrid/EV system warning lamp, often with no other noticeable symptoms
A 12-volt battery that slowly discharges or requires frequent jump starts because the converter is not charging consistently
Flickering or dimming interior and exterior lights, or accessories that reset intermittently
Intermittent warning messages related to the charging system or high-voltage system
Reduced power or a limp-home mode if the vehicle logic decides the converter output is unreliable
A no-start condition after the 12-volt battery has drained from lack of charging

Common causes, most likely first

A failing DC/DC converter voltage sensor or its internal electronics producing an erratic signal
Corroded, loose, or chafed wiring and connector pins in the sensor circuit, especially where the harness passes near heat or vibration
Water intrusion or contamination at the converter or sensor connector causing intermittent contact
A poor ground connection shared by the converter, sensor, or control module
An internally failing DC/DC converter that produces unstable output, which the sensor faithfully reports as erratic
A software or calibration issue in the control module that misinterprets a normal signal
Rarely, a failing control module driver circuit for the sensor reference or signal line

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for stored and pending codes, record freeze-frame data, and clear codes to see whether P0E35 returns immediately or only after a drive cycle
Visually inspect the DC/DC converter, its voltage sensor, and the related harness for chafing, corrosion, water intrusion, and loose connector pins
Measure the sensor reference voltage and signal voltage at the connector with a multimeter while wiggling the harness to catch intermittent faults
Perform a voltage drop test on the converter ground circuit and the sensor ground to rule out resistance in the ground path
Compare the sensor-reported converter output voltage against a direct measurement at the converter output terminals using a multimeter or oscilloscope
If the signal is erratic at the sensor connector but stable at the converter output, replace the voltage sensor and retest
If the converter output itself is unstable, diagnose or replace the DC/DC converter, then verify charging system operation and clear codes

What the converter sensor signal really tells you

An intermittent code like P0E35 often sets only under specific conditions such as cold starts, high electrical load, or vibration, so a simple key-on check may show nothing wrong.
A weak or aging 12-volt battery can drag the converter output down and make the sensor signal look erratic, so always load-test the battery before condemning the converter.
Technicians sometimes replace the DC/DC converter when the real fault is a corroded connector pin or a chafed wire that only loses contact over bumps.
The sensor circuit often shares a ground with other low-voltage components, so a bad ground elsewhere can set this code without any fault in the converter itself.
After repairs, the code may remain in history until several clean drive cycles complete, so do not assume the fix failed if the light stays on briefly.

Can I keep driving with P0E35?

You can usually drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid long trips, heavy electrical loads, and repeated short journeys that prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging. If the battery warning lamp is on or the vehicle enters limp mode, stop driving and arrange a tow to prevent a no-start or safety system failure.

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.