Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0BDD Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Low

Check engine lightOn

EmissionsRelevant

Drive cycleNot required

Limp modePossible

P0BDD reports that the signal of inverter temperature sensor E, the phase W thermistor of GM's motor A inverter, sits below its valid range. GM uses an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a short to ground appears as an impossibly hot inverter. Thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, two trips, in the 2016 and 2018 tables; 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; above 125 °C, Type B, on the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks. A real overheat of that phase is reported separately as P0C13. With the sensor inside the inverter, the usual fix is the inverter assembly.

Likely causes

Shorted thermistor or signal line inside the power inverter module

Signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where the design has any

Moisture or coolant inside the inverter housing

Symptoms

Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
Drive motor A power strongly limited
Reduced regenerative braking

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 ewiring harnesshybrid control module

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