P0BF0 code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase W Current Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BF0 means
P0BF0 is the high-signal fault of the phase W current sensor in the motor A inverter. GM sets it above 700 A for 0.05 of 0.1 s in the 2016 tables or 0.1 of 0.15 s in a 2019 table, Type A, one trip; above 700 A, Type B, two trips, on the 2012 two-mode trucks; above 440 A, Type B, in the BAS Plus (eAssist) table; the 2011 Volt uses 800 A limits for this sensor family. A value this high without matching battery current points to the sensor, its supply or an open reference rather than to real overcurrent, which GM reports separately (P0C01). With P0BF0 active, GM's eAssist logic switches to sensorless current control and suspends P0BFD, so motor A is limited until repair.
P0BF0 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 P0BF0
- Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
- Reduced power from drive motor A
Common causes of P0BF0
- Most likelyFailed phase W current sensor inside the inverter
- PossibleSensor signal shorted to the sensor supply voltage or open reference ground
- Less likelyPoor contact at an internal or external inverter connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a phase w current sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BF0 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. |
| F0 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BF0 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 P0BF0
What does P0BF0 mean?
P0BF0 means "Drive Motor A Phase W Current Sensor Circuit High". P0BF0 is the high-signal fault of the phase W current sensor in the motor A inverter. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BF0?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BF0 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BF0 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BF0 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 P0BF0 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BF0 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.