P0BF5 code meaning
Drive Motor B Phase V Current Sensor Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P0Bxx codes Check engine light
What P0BF5 means
P0BF5 stands for a general circuit fault of the phase V current sensor in the motor B inverter, an electrical problem the controller does not narrow down to offset, low or high. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly. GM's hybrid tables for the 2011 Volt, the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks and the 2016 to 2019 models use only the specific siblings P0BF6, P0BF7 and P0BF8; GM's single-motor BAS Plus (eAssist) system has no motor B codes at all. CARB requires circuit monitoring of hybrid sensors. Since the three phase currents of motor B are used together and their sum is cross-checked (P0BFE), losing the V signal normally forces motor B into restricted operation.
P0BF5 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 P0BF5
- Hybrid system warning and malfunction indicator lamp
- Reduced power from drive motor B
Common causes of P0BF5
- Most likelyFailed phase V current sensor in the motor B inverter
- PossibleSupply or signal fault on the inverter's sensor board
- Less likelySoftware fault in the motor B control processor
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b phase v current sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0BF5 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. |
| F5 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0BF5 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 P0BF5
What does P0BF5 mean?
P0BF5 means "Drive Motor B Phase V Current Sensor Circuit". P0BF5 stands for a general circuit fault of the phase V current sensor in the motor B inverter, an electrical problem the controller does not narrow down to offset, low or high. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0BF5?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0BF5 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0BF5 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0BF5 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 P0BF5 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0BF5 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.