P0AEF code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AEF means
P0AEF means the signal of inverter temperature sensor A is below its valid range. GM describes it as an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a low voltage reads as an impossibly hot inverter, usually a short to ground or an internal sensor fault. GM's thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, in the 2016 to 2019 hybrid tables; above 159 °C, Type A, one trip, in another 2019 table; above 150 °C on eAssist; above 130 °C, Type A, on the 2011 Volt; above 125 °C, Type B, on the 2011 and 2013 two-mode trucks. Stellantis lists P0AEF-11 for the 2026 Jeep Compass PHEV outside the US among codes behind an Electric Traction System Fault and a no-start, repaired by replacing the inverter.
P0AEF 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 P0AEF
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Electric drive power cut back strongly
- Vehicle may not start (Jeep Compass PHEV)
Common causes of P0AEF
- Most likelyShorted sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module
- PossibleSensor signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where present
- Less likelyMoisture or coolant inside the inverter housing
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor inverter temp sensor aHybrid control moduleWiring harness
What each part of P0AEF 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. |
| EF | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AEF 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 P0AEF
What does P0AEF mean?
P0AEF means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low". P0AEF means the signal of inverter temperature sensor A is below its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AEF?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AEF the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AEF fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AEF 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 P0AEF to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AEF clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.