P0BE2 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BE2 means
P0BE2 is set when the voltage from inverter temperature sensor F, the phase W thermistor in GM's motor B inverter, drops below the valid window. Because GM pairs an NTC element with a pull-up resistor, a short to ground is converted into a temperature far above anything the inverter can survive. Limits found in GM's tables: more than 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, two trips (2016 and 2018); more than 159 °C for 6.25 of 8.75 s, Type A (2019); more than 130 °C, Type A (2011 Volt); more than 125 °C, Type B (2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks). Genuine overheating of this phase has its own code, P0C16. The thermistor is part of the inverter, so it is rarely replaced on its own.
P0BE2 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 P0BE2
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Power of drive motor B strongly limited
- Engine runs more often in hybrid operation
Common causes of P0BE2
- 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 fWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BE2 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. |
| E2 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BE2 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 P0BE2
What does P0BE2 mean?
P0BE2 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit Low". P0BE2 is set when the voltage from inverter temperature sensor F, the phase W thermistor in GM's motor B inverter, drops below the valid window. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BE2?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BE2 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BE2 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BE2 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 P0BE2 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BE2 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.