P0BD2 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD2 means
P0BD2 checks whether inverter temperature sensor C, GM's second sensor in the motor A inverter, agrees with the other temperatures after a cold soak. More than 20 °C apart sets it: Type B, two trips, on the 2016 Volt; Type A in a 2019 table; Type A on the 2011 Volt and 2016 ELR, compared with coolant and transmission temperature after 6 h off. GM's 2012 and 2013 tables use 15 °C after 360 min. GM bulletin PIC6303A says that on 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal the code alone needs no repair; the inverter is replaced only with P0AC4. GM fixes it by software on the 2017 Bolt EV and Ampera-e. Porsche replaces a coolant hose with a sticking thermostat on the Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
P0BD2 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 P0BD2
- Malfunction indicator lamp, often without drivability change
- Propulsion power reduced message (Bolt EV)
- Red hybrid warning in the cluster (Porsche)
Common causes of P0BD2
- PossibleInverter module software (GM bulletin 18-NA-064, Bolt EV/Ampera-e)
- PossibleSticking thermostat in the power electronics coolant hose (Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid)
- PossibleInverter temperature sensor C drifting out of tolerance
- Less likelyFailing power inverter module
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 cWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BD2 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| B | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| D2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD2 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 P0BD2
What does P0BD2 mean?
P0BD2 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance". P0BD2 checks whether inverter temperature sensor C, GM's second sensor in the motor A inverter, agrees with the other temperatures after a cold soak. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD2 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 P0BD2 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD2 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.