P0BDE code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BDE means
P0BDE means the signal of inverter temperature sensor E is above its valid range. For GM's NTC thermistor with pull-up that reads as an extremely cold phase W in the motor A inverter, typically an open circuit, lost reference ground or a failed sensor. GM sets it below -50 °C, but only after at least 90 s of inverter warm-up at 20 Nm or more, so a genuinely cold car does not trip it: 2.625 of 3.65 s, Type B, two trips, in the 2016 and 2018 tables, 6.25 of 8.75 s, Type A, in a 2019 table. The 2011 Volt uses below -58 °C (Type A), the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks below -40 °C (Type B). The controller usually limits power to protect the unmonitored phase.
P0BDE 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 P0BDE
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Reduced electric drive power once the inverter has warmed up
Common causes of P0BDE
- Most likelyOpen thermistor or broken connection inside the power inverter module
- PossibleLoose or corroded connector at the inverter
- Less likelyLost sensor reference ground on the sensing board
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 P0BDE 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. |
| DE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BDE 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 P0BDE
What does P0BDE mean?
P0BDE means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit High". P0BDE means the signal of inverter temperature sensor E is above its valid range. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BDE?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BDE the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BDE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BDE 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 P0BDE to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BDE clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.