P0BDA code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BDA means
P0BDA covers an inverter temperature sensor D signal that changes in steps or drops out briefly. Real temperatures of a liquid-cooled inverter move smoothly, so such jumps suggest a contact problem or interference from the high-voltage switching, which a Hitachi patent on inverter systems names as a typical disturbance of the small sensor signal. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM's tables cover sensor D, the second sensor of the motor B inverter, only with P0BD7, P0BD8 and P0BD9. CARB requires hybrid sensor inputs to be monitored for erratic behaviour as well. Because the fault comes and goes, freeze-frame data and live data during a wiggle test are the most useful clues.
P0BDA 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 P0BDA
- Warning lamp that comes and goes
- Brief power reductions while driving
- Jumping inverter temperature in live data
Common causes of P0BDA
- Most likelyLoose or corroded contact at the inverter module
- PossibleIntermittent fault inside the power inverter module
- Less likelyInterference from the high-voltage circuit on the sensor signal
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 P0BDA 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. |
| DA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BDA 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 P0BDA
What does P0BDA mean?
P0BDA means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0BDA covers an inverter temperature sensor D signal that changes in steps or drops out briefly. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BDA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BDA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BDA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BDA 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 P0BDA to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BDA 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.