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P0A49 code meaning

Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light

What P0A49 means

P0A49 covers short dropouts or jumps in the motor B resolver signal that are too brief to count as a lasting loss, low or high fault. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The motor A twin P0A43 is used by Stellantis on the Pacifica Hybrid, where dealers must check bulletins and reflash the hybrid control processor before replacing the power inverter module. GM shows on the Bolt that a slightly spread resolver terminal can cause brief signal loss and a sudden loss of drive, and forbids splicing resolver connectors because the circuits are sensitive. CARB 1968.2 requires detection of intermittent circuit faults of drive components. P0A45 is the permanent fault. Expect a warning that may clear after a restart.

P0A49 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 P0A49

  • Hybrid warning or MIL that comes and goes
  • Brief loss of second-motor drive, often over bumps
  • Code stored as history without current symptoms

Common causes of P0A49

  • Most likelyLoose or spread terminal in the motor B resolver connector
  • PossibleChafed or stretched resolver wiring near the rear axle or subframe
  • Less likelyMoisture in the connector causing intermittent leakage
  • Less likelyHybrid control software needing an update

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 P0A49 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
AArea: hybrid propulsion.
49The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P0A49 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 P0A49

What does P0A49 mean?

P0A49 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent". P0A49 covers short dropouts or jumps in the motor B resolver signal that are too brief to count as a lasting loss, low or high fault. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P0A49?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A49 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P0A49 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P0A49 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 P0A49 to fix?

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

Will P0A49 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

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 P0A49