P0A33 code meaning
Drive Motor B Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A33 means
P0A33 is stored when the motor B temperature signal stays above its valid voltage range. With GM's NTC thermistor a voltage near 5 V reads as an impossibly cold motor: GM sets it below -41 °C in the 2011 tables (Type A) and below -40 °C on the 2013 two-mode trucks (Type B, two trips). Mitsubishi flags the rear motor of the 2023 Outlander PHEV when the voltage reaches 4.761 V or more for 0.5 s. That pattern points to an open sensor circuit, an unplugged connector or a short to a voltage source. P0A32 is the low-side fault, P0A31 the rationality check, P0A35 the over-temperature code. Because winding temperature is unknown, the system limits electric drive power and shows a warning.
P0A33 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A33
- Hybrid warning or check engine light
- Motor B temperature shows about -40 °C regardless of conditions
- Electric drive power limited
Common causes of P0A33
- Most likelyOpen sensor circuit or unplugged connector
- PossibleSpread or corroded terminals at the motor or module connector
- PossibleThermistor open inside the motor
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to a voltage source
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b temp sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0A33 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. |
| 33 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A33 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 P0A33
What does P0A33 mean?
P0A33 means "Drive Motor B Temperature Sensor Circuit High". P0A33 is stored when the motor B temperature signal stays above its valid voltage range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A33?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A33 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A33 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A33 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 P0A33 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A33 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.