Powertrain, generic · Hybrid propulsion

P0C52 Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit A Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0C52 reports that the DC reference level on Circuit A of the motor A resolver, the S1/S3 winding in GM terms, has dropped too low, which points to a short to ground or a line pulled down. GM fails it below 0.5 V on the 2011 Volt, 2012 two-mode trucks, 2013 eAssist and 2016 ELR, and below 0.10 V on the 2019 Volt. Timing ranges from 50 of 80 samples taken every 10.4 ms (one trip, Type A) to 0.525 s within 0.8375 s on the 2016 Volt or 0.25 s within 0.375 s on the 2019 Volt (both Type B). Bentley finds P0C5200, often with P0C5C00, on 2020-22 Bentayga Hybrids with a chafed 12 V transmission harness. Unlike P0A41, which rates the whole signal, this code names one winding.

Likely causes

Chafed or pinched transmission harness shorting a Circuit A line to ground (Bentley TPI 2066714)
Water or corrosion in the resolver connector
Shorted S1/S3 winding inside the resolver stator
Faulty resolver input in the motor control module

Symptoms

  • Check engine lamp, often with P0C5C stored at the same time
  • Electric drive shut off or power reduced
  • On some hybrids the engine runs constantly or the car will not start

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–2,500
Time1–6 h

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

Parts involved

drive motor a position sensor awiring harnesshybrid control module

Related codes

P0C53P0C5CP0C50P0C54P0A41P0A2D

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