P0AF0 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AF0 means
P0AF0 reports a signal from inverter temperature sensor A above its valid range, which for an NTC sensor reads as an extremely cold inverter: open wire, lost ground or a broken sensor. GM's 2016 to 2019 hybrid tables set it below -50 °C for 2.6 of 3.65 s, but only after at least 90 s of inverter warm-up at 20 Nm or more, so a really cold car does not trigger it; Type B, two trips. The 2011 Volt uses below -58 °C (Type A), eAssist below -70 °C and the two-mode trucks below -40 °C (Type B). Kia's 2025 Sorento Hybrid bulletin lists P0AF0 with P0A3C and P1B77 after intermittent motor operation during engine clutch learning and fixes it with a motor control unit update.
P0AF0 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0AF0
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Reduced electric drive power
- Traction motor noise or inoperative A/C (Kia)
Common causes of P0AF0
- Most likelyOpen sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module
- PossibleMotor control unit software (Kia Sorento Hybrid 2025)
- Less likelyLoose or corroded connector at the inverter
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 P0AF0 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. |
| F0 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AF0 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 P0AF0
What does P0AF0 mean?
P0AF0 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit High". P0AF0 reports a signal from inverter temperature sensor A above its valid range, which for an NTC sensor reads as an extremely cold inverter: open wire, lost ground or a broken sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AF0?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AF0 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AF0 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AF0 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 P0AF0 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AF0 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.