P0AF1 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AF1 means
P0AF1 is meant for an inverter temperature sensor A signal that jumps or drops out briefly instead of failing permanently. Inverter heat sinks are liquid-cooled and change temperature smoothly, so sudden steps point to a contact problem or an internal fault in the sensing circuit. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM's hybrid tables cover sensor A only with the plausibility, low and high codes P0AEE, P0AEF and P0AF0. GM's method for erratic battery sensors, such as P0AEC, sums signal changes over 10-sample windows and fails after 4 of 5 bad windows, which shows how such a check usually works. CARB requires hybrid sensor inputs to be monitored for this kind of fault. Freeze-frame data help, since the fault often comes and goes.
P0AF1 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0AF1
- Warning lamp that comes and goes
- Brief power reductions while driving
- Jumping inverter temperature in live data
Common causes of P0AF1
- Most likelyLoose or corroded connector at the inverter module
- PossibleIntermittent fault inside the power inverter module
- Less likelyElectrical interference on the sensor signal
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 P0AF1 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. |
| F1 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AF1 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 P0AF1
What does P0AF1 mean?
P0AF1 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0AF1 is meant for an inverter temperature sensor A signal that jumps or drops out briefly instead of failing permanently. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AF1?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AF1 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AF1 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AF1 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 P0AF1 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AF1 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.