P0C11 code meaning
Drive Motor A Inverter Phase U Over Temperature
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C11 means
P0C11 is a protective code: the temperature sensor at phase U of the motor A inverter reads a valid but excessive value. GM uses it across its hybrids. The 2011 Volt reads PIM sensor A against 98 °C, the 2012 two-mode trucks against 88 °C with a reset at 85 °C, both Type A; the 2016 Volt sets it above 126 °C for 1.2 s within 2 s, the 2019 table above 128 °C, Type A, one trip. On eAssist the single inverter code P0C11 sets above 118.2 °C as Type B, two trips. Sensor faults such as P0AEE block it. Phase V and W are P0C12 and P0C13. GM advises finding the cause of poor cooling. The inverter cuts power to protect itself.
P0C11 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0C11
- Malfunction indicator lamp, often with a hybrid system overheat message
- Reduced propulsion power until the inverter cools down
- Electric drive unavailable, engine runs continuously
Common causes of P0C11
- Most likelyLow coolant level or air in the power electronics cooling loop
- Most likelyFailed or weak electric coolant pump of the inverter loop
- PossibleClogged power electronics radiator or inoperative cooling fan
- Less likelySustained heavy load such as towing uphill in high ambient heat
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a inverter phase u
What each part of P0C11 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. |
| 11 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C11 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 P0C11
What does P0C11 mean?
P0C11 means "Drive Motor A Inverter Phase U Over Temperature". P0C11 is a protective code: the temperature sensor at phase U of the motor A inverter reads a valid but excessive value. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C11?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C11 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C11 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C11 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 P0C11 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C11 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.