Powertrain, generic

P0EAD A/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P0EAD covers the current sensor of an electric A/C compressor, which measures how much current the motor drive takes from the high-voltage link. The controller needs this value to limit power and to shield the power stage and the high-voltage pack from overload. P0EAD is the general circuit code: the reading is absent or useless as a whole, with no low, high or plausibility verdict. Only Audi documents a sibling publicly (P0EAE on the 2016 A3 e-tron); P0EAD itself appears in no manufacturer source. GM's 2011 Volt shows how the measured value is used: above 27 A in 30 of 60 samples while the motor runs gives P0D6F, Type B. Because the sensor sits inside the compressor's power module, repair normally means the compressor assembly. Specific faults are P0EAE to P0EB0.

Likely causes

Failed current sensing element in the compressor power module
Open internal connection between sensor and control board
Compressor or climate module software error

Symptoms

  • Compressor does not start, no cooling
  • Fault stored in the climate or compressor module

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€100–2,500
Time1–5 h

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

Parts involved

ac compressor motor current sensorac compressor modulewiring harness

Related codes

P0EAEP0EAFP0EB0P0D6F

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov.