P0C13 code meaning
Drive Motor A Inverter Phase W Over Temperature
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C13 means
P0C13 covers phase W of the motor A inverter: the controller sees a credible sensor reading that exceeds the overtemperature limit. GM's 2011 Volt uses PIM sensor E with 98 °C, the 2012 two-mode trucks 88 °C, the 2016 and 2018 tables 126 °C for 1.2 s within a 2 s window and the 2019 table 128 °C for 1.5 s, always Type A, one trip, so the MIL comes on at once. The check is blocked while circuit or performance faults of the thermistor are active. Siblings are P0C11 for phase U and P0C12 for phase V; P0C16 is phase W on motor B. Because the code reports a real heat condition, the cooling system of the power electronics is the first place to look; output stays limited.
P0C13 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 P0C13
- Malfunction indicator lamp immediately after the fault
- Reduced propulsion until temperatures drop
- Engine runs more often, little or no electric driving
Common causes of P0C13
- Most likelyCoolant loss or air pocket in the power electronics loop
- Most likelyElectric coolant pump for the inverter stopped or running slow
- PossibleDebris on the low-temperature radiator or cooling fan not running
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 w
What each part of P0C13 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. |
| 13 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C13 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 P0C13
What does P0C13 mean?
P0C13 means "Drive Motor A Inverter Phase W Over Temperature". P0C13 covers phase W of the motor A inverter: the controller sees a credible sensor reading that exceeds the overtemperature limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C13?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C13 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C13 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C13 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 P0C13 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C13 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.