Vehicle electronics remanufacturer ACtronics tackles a common issue with Stellantis EVs.
Do you have an electric vehicle from the Stellantis Group (model year 2019 or later) in the workshop with a complaint that it will no longer charge at a standard charging station? When reading the diagnostic codes, there is a high probability you will encounter fault code P1A71: “Integrated Charger/DC Converter Unit: Internal Fault.”
This fault code frequently occurs in electric models such as the Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Vauxhall Mokka-e, Citroën ë-C4, and other vehicles based on the e-CMP platform. In many cases, a faulty on-board charger (OBC) turns out to be the cause.
Which cars are affected by the P1A71 fault code?
Fault code P1A71 occurs in various electric vehicles from Stellantis, starting with the 2019 model year. Well-known examples include: Citroën ë-C4, DS 3 Crossback E-Tense, Fiat e-Scudo, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Vauxhall Mokka-e, Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Peugeot e-Expert.
Fault code P1A71 variants
Fault code P1A71 has a large number of sub-codes (extensions) that point more specifically to an internal fault in the On-Board Charger (OBC). P1A71-49 and P1A71-72 are the most common, but the variants listed also almost always indicate the same underlying hardware issue within the on-board charger:
P1A71-01, P1A71-04, P1A71-08,
P1A71-17, P1A71-19, P1A71-1D,
P1A71-48, P1A71-49, P1A71-53,
P1A71-68, P1A71-72, P1A71-88,
P1A71-92, P1A71-93, P1A71-96.
The problem
In a nutshell: DC fast charging works, but AC charging does not.
The On-Board Charger (OBC DC/DC) converts alternating current (AC) from the power grid (via a charging station or wall box) into direct current (DC) to charge the battery pack.
The most characteristic symptom associated with fault code P1A71 is that AC charging (at home or at a public charging station) is no longer possible, whereas DC fast charging (e.g., along the motorway) continues to work normally. This actually makes sense: during DC fast charging, the AC/DC conversion process within the On-Board Charger is simply bypassed, and the power flows directly to the high-voltage battery. This immediately confirms that the problem lies within the OBC rather than the battery pack itself.
Other symptoms
In addition to the charging issue, some drivers experience other malfunctions related to the charging port. Examples include:
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The charging plug lock repeatedly clicks open and closed (relay sounds)
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Dashboard notifications, such as a charging time of “24 hours” or an erroneous “Battery charged/Complete” message
These symptoms can be traced directly to the OBC and may occur in conjunction with fault code P1A71. The Mahle CAOBCI onboard charger not only regulates the power flow but also communicates directly with the charging port via an internal PCB. This PCB controls both the locking motor and the LED indicators. If this communication section (or the internal 12V supply) within the OBC fails, the charging port malfunctions, resulting in the lock clicking repeatedly and incorrect data appearing on the dashboard.
What causes the Mahle CAOBC1 to fail?
Although fault code P1A71 is usually caused by an internal fault in the On-Board Charger (OBC), external factors can contribute to the malfunction or shorten the unit’s lifespan. Some examples include:
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Electricity grid voltage spikes: The grid can become unbalanced. Particularly in residential areas where many cars are plugged in, heat pumps kick in, and induction cooktops are switched on simultaneously (often in combination with solar panels). The OBC receives power outside of specified tolerances, literally blowing out its components.
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Overloading the 12V system (especially in commercial vehicles): In an electric vehicle, the OBC provides the voltage for the 12V electrical system, effectively replacing the function of a traditional alternator. If heavy additional equipment is installed in commercial vehicles (such as the e-Expert), the 12V rectifier within the OBC becomes overloaded and can burn out.
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Moisture and contact resistance caused by the user: Drivers sometimes leave the charging cable lying on a wet street. Moisture inside the plug leads to oxidation. When the cable is reconnected, high contact resistance occurs, which damages the on-board charger.
The solution
If you have diagnosed the issue and the P1A71 code indeed points to a faulty Mahle OBC, replacing it with a new (and expensive) unit is not the only option.
ACtronics offers a plug-and-play remanufacturing solution for the Mahle CAOBC1 On-Board Charger, which is used in vehicles such as the Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, Opel Corsa-e, Opel Mokka-e, and various other Stellantis EVs.
During the remanufacturing process, known weak components are replaced with improved parts. The on-board charger then undergoes extensive end-of-line testing to verify its operation under real-world conditions.
Benefits for the workshop:
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Plug & Play: No need to reprogram the unit at the dealership after installation
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Cost-effective: Remanufacturing is significantly more affordable than ordering a new on-board charger
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Sustainable: Instead of discarding a heavy electronic module, raw materials are conserved, and the unit is given a second life (with a 2-year warranty)
