P0BD9 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BD9 means
P0BD9 means inverter temperature sensor D delivers a voltage above its valid range. For GM's NTC sensor in the motor B inverter that equals an implausibly cold inverter, so an open circuit, a lost ground or a cracked thermistor is likely. GM checks only after the inverter has run at least 90 s at 20 Nm or more, so a real cold start is excluded. The 2016 Volt then sets 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 below -58 °C, Type A; the 2012 table below -40 °C, two trips. Until the value is valid the controller uses substitute values and may limit motor B. Check the inverter connectors before replacing the unit.
P0BD9 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 P0BD9
- Malfunction indicator lamp, depending on model after two trips
- Reduced motor B power and regeneration
- Implausibly low inverter temperature in live data
Common causes of P0BD9
- 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 dWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BD9 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. |
| D9 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BD9 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 P0BD9
What does P0BD9 mean?
P0BD9 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit High". P0BD9 means inverter temperature sensor D delivers a voltage above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BD9?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BD9 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BD9 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BD9 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 P0BD9 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BD9 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.