P0A48 code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A48 means
P0A48 reports a motor B resolver line reading above its allowed range, for example a sine, cosine or excitation wire shorted to a supply voltage, or an open coil whose line is pulled up by the input bias circuit until the converter clips. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Mitsubishi handles high resolver voltages on the 2023 Outlander PHEV with its own codes (P0C53/P0C5D at 4.9 V or more on the front motor, P0C58/P0C62 on the rear), and Kia uses the motor A twin P0A42 on the Optima Hybrid. CARB 1968.2 requires circuit checks of electric drive components; Bosch patents describe detecting an open sine or cosine line and a short to supply. P0A47 is the low side. Expect a warning lamp and loss of motor B.
P0A48 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A48
- MIL and hybrid system warning
- Second motor disabled, reduced traction or power
- Vehicle may not enter ready mode
Common causes of P0A48
- Most likelyResolver line shorted to a supply voltage
- PossibleOpen sine or cosine line pulled high by the input circuit
- PossibleCorroded or loose terminals at the motor B resolver connector
- Less likelyFaulty resolver input stage in the motor control module
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 P0A48 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. |
| 48 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A48 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 P0A48
What does P0A48 mean?
P0A48 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit High". P0A48 reports a motor B resolver line reading above its allowed range, for example a sine, cosine or excitation wire shorted to a supply voltage, or an open coil whose line is pulled up by the input bias circuit until the converter clips. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A48?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A48 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A48 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A48 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 P0A48 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A48 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.