A system and method described herein detects the presence of an unconnected condition in high voltage component cables in an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle having a high voltage battery or energy storage system. The system includes a mechanical motive device, such as a combustion engine, which is used to rotate an electrical machine (E-machine). The rotation of the E-machine induces a sufficient, yet safe, test voltage on the main high voltage cabling of the vehicle. Measurements are taken at various points near the individual high voltage components to determine if a high voltage cable has become disconnected.