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P0A37 code meaning

Generator Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light

What P0A37 means

P0A37 tests whether the generator temperature reading is believable. Mitsubishi documents it for the 2023 Outlander PHEV: once per drive cycle, after at least 5,400 s of soak and with the inverter switched off, the generator W-phase coil temperature is compared with the front motor coil and with the oil temperature. A gap of 26 °C to the motor or 22 °C to the oil, held for 0.8 s, sets the code. Suspects are the power drive unit, the coil sensor inside the generator and the wiring. P0A38 and P0A39 are hard voltage faults of the same sensor, P0A3B the real over-temperature. Mitsubishi is the only manufacturer found that documents P0A37 publicly. The driver sees a warning and generator use may be limited.

P0A37 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyWorkshop only
  • Typical labor1 to 6 hours
  • Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle

Symptoms of P0A37

  • Hybrid warning after the first start of the day
  • Generator temperature differs from oil temperature after a long rest
  • Generator operation possibly restricted

Common causes of P0A37

  • Most likelyGenerator coil sensor reading out of tolerance
  • PossibleCorroded connector or damaged harness in the sensor circuit
  • PossibleFault in the power drive unit that evaluates the sensor
  • Less likelyComparison sensor (motor coil or oil temperature) reads wrong

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Generator temp sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module

What each part of P0A37 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
AArea: hybrid propulsion.
37The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P0A37 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 P0A37

What does P0A37 mean?

P0A37 means "Generator Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". P0A37 tests whether the generator temperature reading is believable. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P0A37?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A37 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P0A37 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P0A37 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 P0A37 to fix?

Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P0A37 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.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 14 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P0A37