P0BD6 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD6 means
Sensor D is, in GM's hybrid tables, the second thermistor of the motor B inverter, the counterpart of sensor C in the motor A inverter: phase V in the 2016 to 2019 tables, temperature sensor 2 of inverter B on the Volt. Other makers assign the letter differently. P0BD6 is its general circuit code for an electrical fault that the controller does not narrow down to low, high or erratic. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM reports P0BD7, P0BD8 and P0BD9 instead. CARB requires monitoring of hybrid sensor circuits. Without a valid value the controller cannot protect that inverter and usually limits the motor it drives. Read all stored codes, since several inverter codes often appear together.
P0BD6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0BD6
- Hybrid system warning or check engine lamp
- Reduced electric drive or generator power
- Higher fuel consumption in hybrid operation
Common causes of P0BD6
- Most likelyInternal fault of the sensor inside the power inverter module
- PossibleCorroded or loose connector at the inverter module
- Less likelySoftware fault in the motor control processor
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 dWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BD6 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. |
| D6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD6 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 P0BD6
What does P0BD6 mean?
P0BD6 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit". Sensor D is, in GM's hybrid tables, the second thermistor of the motor B inverter, the counterpart of sensor C in the motor A inverter: phase V in the 2016 to 2019 tables, temperature sensor 2 of inverter B on the Volt. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD6 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 P0BD6 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD6 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.