P0BD4 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD4 means
P0BD4 reports a voltage from inverter temperature sensor C above its valid range. For GM's NTC sensor this is an implausibly cold inverter, typically caused by an open circuit, a lost ground or a cracked element. To avoid false alarms on a cold day GM waits until the inverter has run at least 90 s at 20 Nm or more. The 2016 Volt and a 2018 table then set it below -50 °C for 2.6 of 3.65 s, Type B, two trips; a 2019 table uses -50 °C with Type A. The 2011 Volt and 2016 ELR use below -58 °C, Type A; the 2012 and 2013 tables below -40 °C, two trips. Until the reading is valid the controller protects the inverter with substitute values and may cut motor power.
P0BD4 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 P0BD4
- Malfunction indicator lamp, depending on model after two trips
- Reduced electric drive power
- Implausibly low inverter temperature in live data
Common causes of P0BD4
- 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 cWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BD4 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. |
| D4 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD4 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 P0BD4
What does P0BD4 mean?
P0BD4 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit High". P0BD4 reports a voltage from inverter temperature sensor C above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD4?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD4 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD4 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD4 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 P0BD4 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD4 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.