P0AF3 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AF3 means
P0AF3 is the plausibility test for inverter temperature sensor B, the phase U sensor of GM's motor B inverter. In the 2016 to 2019 tables the sensor is compared after a cold soak with a calculated average vehicle temperature; a difference above 20 °C sets the code, Type B, two trips. The 2011 Volt compares it with the other power electronics sensors at 20 °C, Type A, and the 2011 and 2013 two-mode trucks after 360 minutes off at 15 °C, Type B. GM bulletin PIC6303A lists P0AF3 with P0AEE and the other inverter thermistor codes on 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal with the 5ET50 drive: alone they cause no noticeable effect, and the inverter is replaced only if P0AC4 set at the same time.
P0AF3 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 P0AF3
- Malfunction indicator lamp after two trips
- Often no noticeable drivability change
- Further inverter temperature codes may be stored
Common causes of P0AF3
- PossibleInverter temperature sensor B drifting out of tolerance
- PossibleFailing power inverter module
- Less likelyUneven inverter coolant flow after soak
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 bHybrid control moduleWiring harness
What each part of P0AF3 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. |
| F3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AF3 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 P0AF3
What does P0AF3 mean?
P0AF3 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance". P0AF3 is the plausibility test for inverter temperature sensor B, the phase U sensor of GM's motor B inverter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AF3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AF3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AF3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AF3 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 P0AF3 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AF3 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.