Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0BD5 Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P0BD5 is meant for an inverter temperature sensor C signal that jumps or drops out for short moments. Because the heat sink of a liquid-cooled inverter changes temperature smoothly, sudden steps point to a contact fault or to interference; a Hitachi patent explains that the small thermistor signal can pick up noise from the high-voltage main circuit. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM covers its sensor C, the phase V sensor of the motor A inverter, only with P0BD2, P0BD3 and P0BD4. CARB requires hybrid sensor inputs to be monitored for erratic faults too. Freeze-frame data and a careful check of the inverter connector are the best starting points.

Likely causes

Loose or corroded contact at the inverter module
Intermittent fault inside the power inverter module
Interference from the high-voltage circuit on the sensor signal

Symptoms

  • Warning lamp that comes and goes
  • Brief power reductions while driving
  • Jumping inverter temperature in live data

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–4,000
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

Related codes

P0BD1P0BD2P0BD3P0BD4P0AF1P0BDA

References: law.cornell.edu, patents.google.com, gsi.ext.gm.com.