P0BDC code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BDC means
P0BDC checks whether inverter temperature sensor E, GM's phase W sensor in the motor A inverter, agrees with the vehicle after a long stand. The 2016 and 2018 tables compare it after a cold soak with a calculated average temperature; more than 20 °C apart for 0.525 of 0.625 s sets Type B, two trips. A 2019 table uses the same 20 °C as Type A. The 2011 Volt compares it with power electronics coolant temperature (20 °C, Type A); the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks use 15 °C after at least 360 minutes off (Type B). GM bulletin PIC6303A says that on 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal the code has no remedial action; the inverter is replaced only together with P0AC4.
P0BDC at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0BDC
- Malfunction indicator lamp after two drives, often without any drivability change
- Code found during inspection without customer complaint
Common causes of P0BDC
- PossiblePhase W thermistor drifting out of tolerance
- PossibleUneven inverter cooling or residual heat after the soak period
- Less likelyFailing power inverter module (replace only with P0AC4 per GM PIC6303A)
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 eWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BDC 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. |
| DC | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BDC 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 P0BDC
What does P0BDC mean?
P0BDC means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Range/Performance". P0BDC checks whether inverter temperature sensor E, GM's phase W sensor in the motor A inverter, agrees with the vehicle after a long stand. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BDC?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0BDC fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BDC 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 P0BDC to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BDC 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.