P0A45 code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A45 means
P0A45 is the general circuit code for the resolver of the second traction motor (B), usually meaning its signal is missing. GM sets it like P0A3F when sine or cosine amplitude falls below 2.3 V (Type A, one trip). Mitsubishi uses it for the rear motor of the 2023 Outlander PHEV: both sine and cosine below 0.12 V for at least 0.18 s; the resolver is part of the rear motor assembly, which is replaced. Toyota fixes P0A45 on 2016-18 RAV4 Hybrid models built before a production change with a new frame wire harness, and Stellantis lists it for the Pacifica Hybrid. P0A46 to P0A49 split out degraded, low, high and intermittent signals. Expect a hybrid warning, MIL and loss of the motor B drive.
P0A45 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A45
- MIL and hybrid system warning message
- Loss of rear-axle electric drive or all-wheel drive
- Reduced power or vehicle not ready
Common causes of P0A45
- Most likelyDamaged or faulty frame/body wire harness to the rear motor (Toyota RAV4 Hybrid)
- PossiblePoor contact at the motor B resolver connector
- PossibleResolver or control unit inside the rear motor assembly failed (Mitsubishi)
- Less likelyHybrid control software needing an update (Stellantis)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b position sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0A45 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. |
| 45 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A45 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 P0A45
What does P0A45 mean?
P0A45 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit". P0A45 is the general circuit code for the resolver of the second traction motor (B), usually meaning its signal is missing. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A45?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A45 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A45 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A45 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 P0A45 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A45 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.