P0BD3 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD3 means
P0BD3 means the signal of inverter temperature sensor C, the phase V sensor of GM's motor A inverter, is below its valid range. GM uses an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a short to ground reads as an impossibly hot inverter. GM's thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, two trips, on the 2016 Volt and in a 2018 table; above 159 °C for 6.25 of 8.75 s, Type A, in a 2019 table; above 130 °C, Type A, on the 2011 Volt and 2016 ELR; above 125 °C, two trips, in the 2012 and 2013 tables. A genuine overheat of that phase is reported as P0C12. Since the sensor is part of the inverter, the usual fix is the inverter assembly.
P0BD3 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0BD3
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Drive motor power strongly limited
- Reduced regeneration
Common causes of P0BD3
- Most likelyShorted sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module
- PossibleSensor signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where present
- Less likelyMoisture or coolant inside the inverter housing
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 P0BD3 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. |
| D3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD3 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 P0BD3
What does P0BD3 mean?
P0BD3 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low". P0BD3 means the signal of inverter temperature sensor C, the phase V sensor of GM's motor A inverter, is below its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD3 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 P0BD3 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD3 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.