P0C06 code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase U-V-W Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C06 means
P0C06 belongs to the phase circuit group of drive motor A and reports that a U, V or W phase line sits too low, typically a short to the negative high-voltage rail or to chassis ground. P0C05 covers an open or missing phase, P0C07 the opposite high state. No manufacturer documents P0C06 for a drive motor publicly; GM's hybrid tables use only P0C05 from this trio. CARB requires hybrid input and output components to be monitored for circuit faults. Such a short usually also trips the inverter's overcurrent protection, so P0C01 or insulation faults may appear alongside. The motor controller shuts down motor A, which leaves the driver with reduced or no electric drive and a warning lamp.
P0C06 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 10 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0C06
- Electric drive shut down with warning lamp
- Overcurrent or insulation codes stored at the same time
Common causes of P0C06
- PossiblePhase cable or winding shorted to ground or housing
- PossibleShorted low-side power switch in the motor A inverter
- Less likelyInsulation damage from heat, moisture or chafing
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 uvwDrive motor a inverter
What each part of P0C06 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 06 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C06 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 P0C06
What does P0C06 mean?
P0C06 means "Drive Motor A Phase U-V-W Circuit Low". P0C06 belongs to the phase circuit group of drive motor A and reports that a U, V or W phase line sits too low, typically a short to the negative high-voltage rail or to chassis ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C06?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C06 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C06 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C06 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 P0C06 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 10 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C06 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.