There are many diagnostic scanners that are capable of clearing the P0AFA error in the GM HPCM2 module. Here are some cheap options.
D7, D8 and D9 can do the same.
Xtool actually has just about everything you need to deal with GM codes. You are able to run an autodiagnostic, then clear most the DTCs that are probably triggered by the flaky 12v battery.
One of them was ‘P0AFA-00’ Hybrid/EV Battery System Voltage Low Voltage, which is only resettable by the dealer tools (GDS2).
Navigate using the Xtool to the HPCM2 module > Special Functions> Reset Functions>Hybrid/EV Battery Contactor Open Reasons Reset> Reset.
The tool will walk you through the process; there is a point where you need to shut off the ignition, open and close the drivers door and then wait a few minutes for the modules to go to sleep. After that you continue with ‘OK’ and the car is no longer showing a CEL!!
It is less money than the Xtool D7S.
Some users use the Topdon Topscan tool to clear P0AFA. App is TopScan (both Android and iphone).
The sequence to clear the DTC codes is as follows:
Follow the device instructions for loading the app, logging in, etc.
Click Diagnostics and download the Chevrolet software package.
Once in the car, with dongle inserted, turn the car on by holding the Power button for several seconds without pressing on the brake pedal. Make sure the device connects via bluetooth.
Then in the TopScan app, follow this sequence:
Diagnostics – Automatic – Chevrolet – Auto VIN – Auto Scan – Hybrid Power Control Module 2 – Active Test – Clear Secure High Voltage DTCs – RESET (lower right corner).
You should then see the first listed item (first row) show “Reset” in the right column.
Turn the car off for 5 seconds, and then turn it on normally by pressing Power while depressing the brake pedal.
You should now be able to charge the HV battery, either with Mountain Mode or the EVSE.
3.
The “KingBolen EDiag Elite” or Thinkdiag 2 worked for me do the Clear Secured Codes function to unbrick a friends 2017 Volt that otherwise just needed and got a new 12V battery.
The function was somewhat hidden under a submenu of the HPCM/HPCM2 module submenu titled Actuate, or Activate, or something like that with an “A”.
4.
Autel MaxiSys scanner
Maxisys scanners also capable of clearing this fault code. But it takes much more than above scanners.
The best option will be VXDIAG VCX NANO GM GDS2. Sometimes if xtool or topscan fail to clear P0AFA DTC, GDS2 will do.
It’s way cheaper, than buying a dedicated scanner.
That’s what most GM users use to clear P0AFA fault code.
Module Path
Module Diagnostics
From “Module Diagnostic” menu, click on “Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module 2” menu
Select “Control Functions”
Clear Secured High Voltage DTCs.
also enter service mode on Volt (hold power for 5-7 seconds, without brake, until nav and dashboard turn on).
The Gen 2 (2016+) is slightly different flow than Gen 1 Module Diagnostics > [there is a bracket with a some info] Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 > Control Functions > Clear Secured High Voltage DTC > it tells you to power off car, open and closed door, then press continue in GDS2, follow these steps > then you should hear a few high pitched beeps (at least we did).
Wait about 30 seconds > enter service mode again by holding key for 5-7 seconds, no brake.
We went back a few screens in GDS2 Module Diagnostics > Hybrid Powertrain Control Module 2 > this time we went to diagnostic trouble codes > add all > clear
We went back a few times in GDS2 > clicked Vehicle Diagnostics (below Module Diagnostics) > Diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) > then all the DTC were gone, it pulled up a list with mostly green checkboxes (no yellow triangle with ! mark).
Turned off car > plugged it in > it started charging > powered on the card check engine lights were gone.
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