Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0BD3 Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn

EmissionsRelevant

Drive cycleNot required

Limp modePossible

P0BD3 means the signal of inverter temperature sensor C, the phase V sensor of GM's motor A inverter, is below its valid range. GM uses an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a short to ground reads as an impossibly hot inverter. GM's thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, two trips, on the 2016 Volt and in a 2018 table; above 159 °C for 6.25 of 8.75 s, Type A, in a 2019 table; above 130 °C, Type A, on the 2011 Volt and 2016 ELR; above 125 °C, two trips, in the 2012 and 2013 tables. A genuine overheat of that phase is reported as P0C12. Since the sensor is part of the inverter, the usual fix is the inverter assembly.

Likely causes

Shorted sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module

Sensor signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where present

Moisture or coolant inside the inverter housing

Symptoms

Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
Drive motor power strongly limited
Reduced regeneration

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job

Parts and labour€150–4,000

Time1–6 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

drive motor inverter temp sensor cwiring harnesshybrid control module

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.