P2D73
Moderate Severity (Level 3)Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open
P2D73 usually means battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open.
Can you still drive with P2D73?
⚠️Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
Typical repair cost: $200 – $700
Severity Level 3 — Moderate
This code indicates a moderate issue that may affect vehicle performance and fuel economy. Continued driving is possible in most cases, but prompt diagnosis and repair are recommended to prevent further damage.
Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- The charging system is not operating as designed
- Warning light or malfunction indicator related to the charging system is illuminated
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
Possible Causes
- Faulty alternator — most common cause, test before replacing
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector in the charging system circuit
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for the charging system
- Poor ground connection — check and clean all related ground points
- Control module fault — rare but possible, only consider after ruling out simpler causes
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($44-114 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the charging system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $80 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace alternator if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($200-700)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the charging system fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($2-16 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the charging system wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-142 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2D73 mean?
P2D73 stands for "Battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open". P2D73 usually means battery Charging System Negative Contactor D Control Circuit/Open.
Can you drive with P2D73?
Short-distance driving is usually OK, but have this diagnosed within a week to prevent further damage.
How much does it cost to fix P2D73?
Repair costs for P2D73 typically range from $200 to $700, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($44-114 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the charging system wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $80 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace alternator if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($200-700).
Will P2D73 clear itself?
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