P0C15 code meaning
Drive Motor B Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C15 means
P0C15 reports overtemperature at phase V of the motor B inverter, based on a sensor reading that is valid but above the limit. GM applies it on the Volt and the two-mode trucks: PIM sensor D above 98 °C on the 2011 Volt, 88 °C on the 2012 trucks, 102.5 °C on the 2016 ELR, 131 °C for 1.2 s within 2 s on the 2016 Volt and in the 2018 table, every time Type A with one trip. It is a protective diagnosis, not a wiring check; the thermistor's own codes P0BD6 and P0BD7 handle sensor faults. Phase U and W are P0C14 and P0C16, phase V on motor A is P0C12. GM bulletin PIC6303A names P0C15 among the overheat codes that call for a cooling diagnosis. Motor B output is restricted.
P0C15 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 P0C15
- Malfunction indicator lamp after one drive
- Reduced propulsion until the inverter has cooled
- Engine runs more often than usual
Common causes of P0C15
- Most likelyCoolant loss or air in the inverter cooling loop
- Most likelyElectric coolant pump of the power electronics not working
- PossibleBlocked radiator for the power electronics or fan failure
- Less likelyPoor heat transfer or ageing power stage inside the inverter
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b inverter phase v
What each part of P0C15 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. |
| 15 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C15 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 P0C15
What does P0C15 mean?
P0C15 means "Drive Motor B Inverter Phase V Over Temperature". P0C15 reports overtemperature at phase V of the motor B inverter, based on a sensor reading that is valid but above the limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C15?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C15 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C15 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C15 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 P0C15 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C15 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.