P0BD7 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD7 means
P0BD7 is the plausibility check for inverter temperature sensor D, GM's second sensor in the motor B inverter. After a cold soak its reading is compared with an average vehicle temperature; more than 20 °C apart sets the code, Type B, two trips, on the 2016 Volt and Type A in a 2019 table. The 2011 Volt compares with power electronics coolant and transmission temperature after 6 h off (20 °C, Type A); GM's 2012 and 2013 tables use 15 °C after 360 min, two trips. GM bulletin PIC6303A lists P0BD7 with the other inverter thermistor codes on 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal: alone it causes no noticeable effect, and the inverter is replaced only if P0AC4 set at the same time.
P0BD7 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 P0BD7
- Malfunction indicator lamp, often after two trips
- Often no noticeable drivability change
- Further inverter temperature codes may be stored
Common causes of P0BD7
- PossibleInverter temperature sensor D drifting out of tolerance
- PossibleFailing power inverter module
- Less likelyUneven inverter coolant flow after soak
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 P0BD7 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. |
| D7 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD7 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 P0BD7
What does P0BD7 mean?
P0BD7 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Range/Performance". P0BD7 is the plausibility check for inverter temperature sensor D, GM's second sensor in the motor B inverter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD7?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD7 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD7 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD7 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 P0BD7 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD7 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.