P0E4E: Engine Failed to Crank

What does P0E4E mean?

P0E4E reports that the hybrid system commanded an engine start but the crankshaft did not turn, or did not reach the cranking speed it expected. It differs from P0A0F, where the engine is turned over but does not fire and keep running. In most hybrids a motor-generator fed by the high-voltage battery cranks the engine, so causes range from a seized engine or transaxle to missing battery energy or a drive fault. No manufacturer documents P0E4E publicly. GM's bulletin PIC6229C for the 2016-2019 Malibu hybrid shows why charge matters: below a pack voltage of 154 to 210 V, depending on temperature, the system stops trying to crank until a recovery charge is done. CARB requires the energy storage monitor to catch faults that prevent engine starts.

The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.

Symptoms

• Engine does not turn over when the hybrid system calls for it
• Vehicle runs electrically only or shows a stop-safely warning
• No start at all once the battery is depleted

Common causes

• High High-voltage battery too low to crank, often after repeated failed starts
• Medium Mechanically seized engine or blocked transaxle
• Medium Fault in the cranking motor-generator, its inverter or a conventional starter
• Low Crankshaft speed not detected because of a sensor or signal fault

Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.