P0AF5 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Axx codes Check engine light
What P0AF5 means
P0AF5 means inverter temperature sensor B delivers a voltage above its valid range. For GM's NTC sensor that equals an implausibly cold inverter, so an open circuit, a lost ground or a cracked thermistor is likely. In GM's 2016 to 2019 tables the code sets below -50 °C for 2.6 of 3.65 s, but only once the inverter has run at least 90 s at 20 Nm or more, which rules out a genuinely cold start; Type B, two trips. The 2011 Volt uses below -58 °C with Type A, one trip; the 2011 and 2013 two-mode trucks use below -40 °C, Type B. Until the value is valid, the controller protects inverter B with substitute values and may reduce motor B power. Check connectors at the inverter before condemning the unit.
P0AF5 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 P0AF5
- Malfunction indicator lamp after two trips
- Reduced motor B power
- Implausibly cold inverter temperature in live data
Common causes of P0AF5
- Most likelyOpen sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module
- PossibleLoose, corroded or unplugged connector at the inverter
- Less likelyLost sensor ground
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 P0AF5 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. |
| F5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0AF5 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 P0AF5
What does P0AF5 mean?
P0AF5 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit High". P0AF5 means inverter temperature sensor B delivers a voltage above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0AF5?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0AF5 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0AF5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0AF5 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 P0AF5 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0AF5 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.