P0A01 code meaning
Motor Electronics Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A01 means
The sensor delivers a value inside its electrical range, but it does not fit the other temperatures in the vehicle. GM uses this code on the 2013 Two-Mode hybrid Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Silverado and Sierra as a cold-start test: after the vehicle has stood for more than 28,800 s (8 h), the power electronics coolant temperature at power-up may differ from engine coolant temperature by no more than 30 °C, provided engine coolant and intake air agree within 15.75 °C. A failure is a Type B code with MIL after two trips. Nissan describes a similar comparison between inverter coolant and power element temperatures. Hard electrical faults are P0A02 and P0A03.
P0A01 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0A01
- Check engine light after two trips
- Often no noticeable change in driving behaviour
- Electric drive power limited when the electronics are hot
Common causes of P0A01
- Most likelySensor characteristic drifted, reading offset against the other temperature sensors
- PossibleAdded resistance at a corroded connector shifting the reading
- PossibleLow coolant or air pocket at the sensor in the electronics loop
- Less likelyFault actually in the engine coolant or intake air sensor used for comparison
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Motor electronics coolant temperature sensorHybrid inverterWiring harness
What each part of P0A01 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| A | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 01 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A01 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0A01
What does P0A01 mean?
P0A01 means "Motor Electronics Coolant Temperature Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance". The sensor delivers a value inside its electrical range, but it does not fit the other temperatures in the vehicle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A01?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A01 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A01 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A01 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0A01 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A01 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.