P0A6A code meaning
Drive Motor B Phase V Current Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0A6A means
P0A6A is GM's open-circuit test for phase V of drive motor B. The controller checks each phase on its own as the rotor turns; for phase V it looks at the window of 30 degrees either side of the V axis, where the current should be largest. With the inverter above 50 V in normal PWM and a squared current command above 900 A² (2016 Volt) or 4,900 A² (2018 and 2019 tables), a peak below 9 A for 0.4 s out of 0.6 s is a Type A failure with MIL after one trip. The 2016 Volt table describes this motor B code with the words drive motor A, an evident copy slip. A missing V current points to a broken lead, a dead switch or a sensor stuck at zero. P0A6B is the high side, P0A67 and P0A6D phases U and W, P0A61 the motor A code.
P0A6A 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 P0A6A
- MIL and propulsion system warning after the first trip
- Vibration or uneven torque from motor B before shutdown
Common causes of P0A6A
- Most likelyPhase V lead, connector or bolted terminal of motor B open
- PossiblePhase V switch of the motor B inverter not switching
- PossiblePhase V current sensor output stuck at zero
- Less likelyOpen phase V winding in motor B
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b phase vInverter
What each part of P0A6A 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. |
| 6A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0A6A 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 P0A6A
What does P0A6A mean?
P0A6A means "Drive Motor B Phase V Current Low". P0A6A is GM's open-circuit test for phase V of drive motor B. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0A6A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0A6A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0A6A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0A6A 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 P0A6A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0A6A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.