Powertrain, generic

P0EF6 Drive Motor C Temperature Sensor Over Temperature

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0EF6 is not an electrical fault: the drive motor C temperature sensor delivers a believable value, but that value has passed the motor's protection limit. No manufacturer documents P0EF6 publicly. For motor B on the 2016 Cadillac ELR, GM sets P0A35 when the temperature exceeds 149 °C and does not fall back below a reset threshold, Type A, and only while the range check P0A31 is passing. Ford's 2019 hybrids set P0A2F at a coil temperature above 140 °C or transmission oil above 115 °C. Causes are mostly on the cooling side, such as low coolant or oil, a failed pump or a clogged cooler, but long full-load phases or a winding with shorted turns also heat the motor. Torque of motor C is cut until it cools; sensor circuit faults belong to P0EF1 to P0EF5.

Likely causes

Low coolant or oil level, or air in the motor cooling circuit
Failed coolant or oil pump, or clogged cooler
Long full-load phases such as towing, track use or steep climbs
Shorted turns in the stator winding generating extra heat

Symptoms

  • Clearly reduced power until the motor has cooled down
  • Warning about drive system overheating
  • MIL on (manufacturer-dependent)

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–5,000
Time0.5–8 h

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

Parts involved

drive motor cdrive motor c temp sensormotor electronics coolant pump

Related codes

P0A35P0A2FP0EF1P0EF2P0EEF

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com, law.cornell.edu.