P0BDD code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BDD means
P0BDD reports that the signal of inverter temperature sensor E, the phase W thermistor of GM's motor A inverter, sits below its valid range. GM uses an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a short to ground appears as an impossibly hot inverter. Thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, two trips, in the 2016 and 2018 tables; above 159 °C for 6.25 of 8.75 s, Type A, in a 2019 table; above 130 °C, Type A, on the 2011 Volt; above 125 °C, Type B, on the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks. A real overheat of that phase is reported separately as P0C13. With the sensor inside the inverter, the usual fix is the inverter assembly.
P0BDD at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0BDD
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Drive motor A power strongly limited
- Reduced regenerative braking
Common causes of P0BDD
- Most likelyShorted thermistor or signal line inside the power inverter module
- PossibleSignal shorted to ground in external wiring, where the design has any
- Less likelyMoisture or coolant inside the inverter housing
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 P0BDD 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. |
| DD | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BDD 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 P0BDD
What does P0BDD mean?
P0BDD means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Low". P0BDD reports that the signal of inverter temperature sensor E, the phase W thermistor of GM's motor A inverter, sits below its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BDD?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BDD the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BDD fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BDD 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 P0BDD to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BDD clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.