P0A5E code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase U Current Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A5E means
P0A5E means too little current flows, or is sensed, in phase U of drive motor A, the classic sign of an open phase. GM describes the check for the motor control processor of the 2016 Chevrolet Volt and in its 2018 hybrid tables: with the inverter in normal PWM above 50 V and a squared current command above 900 A2 (2016) or 4,900 A2 (2018), the absolute U current is sampled while the rotor is within 30 degrees of the U phase axis; below 9 A for 0.4 s of a 0.6 s window, P0A5E sets as Type A, MIL on the first trip. Each phase is tested in turn as the rotor turns. A Caterpillar patent likewise spots a dead sensor by a phase reading near zero. P0A61 and P0A64 are phases V and W, P0A5F the high side, P0A5D the general U code.
P0A5E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0A5E
- MIL and propulsion system warning
- Rough or reduced electric drive, possible engine-only operation
Common causes of P0A5E
- Most likelyOpen circuit in the phase U cable, connector or terminal
- PossiblePhase U current sensor reads zero
- PossiblePhase U switch of the inverter not conducting
- Less likelyOpen winding of phase U in drive motor A
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a phase uInverter
What each part of P0A5E 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. |
| 5E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A5E 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 P0A5E
What does P0A5E mean?
P0A5E means "Drive Motor A Phase U Current Low". P0A5E means too little current flows, or is sensed, in phase U of drive motor A, the classic sign of an open phase. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A5E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A5E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A5E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A5E 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 P0A5E to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A5E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.