P0BE3 code meaning
Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BE3 means
P0BE3 is the high-signal fault of inverter temperature sensor F, GM's phase W thermistor in the motor B inverter. With an NTC element and pull-up, an open circuit or a sensor that has lost ground drives the voltage up, which the controller reads as an implausibly cold inverter. GM only judges this after the inverter has worked for at least 90 s at 20 Nm or more: below -50 °C for 2.625 of 3.65 s sets Type B, two trips (2016 and 2018 tables), or Type A for 6.25 of 8.75 s (2019). The 2011 Volt uses below -58 °C (Type A), the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks below -40 °C (Type B). Expect limited output from motor B until the circuit is repaired.
P0BE3 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 P0BE3
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Reduced power from drive motor B once warmed up
Common causes of P0BE3
- 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 fWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BE3 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. |
| E3 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BE3 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 P0BE3
What does P0BE3 mean?
P0BE3 means "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit High". P0BE3 is the high-signal fault of inverter temperature sensor F, GM's phase W thermistor in the motor B inverter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BE3?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BE3 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BE3 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BE3 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 P0BE3 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BE3 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.