P0A4A code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Overspeed
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A4A means
P0A4A reports that the speed calculated from the motor B resolver exceeds the motor's permitted maximum. Mitsubishi uses it for the rear motor of the 2023 Outlander PHEV: set at 12,500 rpm or more for at least 1 s with supply above 8 V, and only judged once the rear position sensor codes P0A45, P0A46, P0C57, P0C58, P0C61 and P0C62 are ruled out; otherwise the rear motor assembly is replaced, bearing damage being one listed cause. GM uses its own code P1B0E (above 11,500 rpm, Type A) for this check on the second motor of its two-mode trucks. CARB 1968.2 requires monitoring of electric drive components. P0A44 is the motor A twin. Expect the rear motor to be shut off to protect it, with less traction.
P0A4A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A4A
- Rear electric drive shut off, front-wheel drive only
- Hybrid/EV warning and MIL
- Reduced acceleration in limp mode
Common causes of P0A4A
- PossibleFault in the rear motor assembly, e.g. damaged bearing or control unit (Mitsubishi)
- PossibleReal overspeed from rear wheel spin on low grip
- PossibleDisturbed resolver signal producing a false speed value
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 sensorDrive motor bHybrid control module
What each part of P0A4A 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. |
| 4A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A4A 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 P0A4A
What does P0A4A mean?
P0A4A means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit Overspeed". P0A4A reports that the speed calculated from the motor B resolver exceeds the motor's permitted maximum. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A4A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A4A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A4A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A4A 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 P0A4A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A4A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.