P0C16 code meaning
Drive Motor B Inverter Phase W Over Temperature
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C16 means
P0C16 is set by the motor B inverter when phase W runs too hot and the temperature sensor itself shows no fault. GM's tables give PIM sensor F above 98 °C for the 2011 Volt, above 88 °C with an 85 °C reset for the 2012 two-mode trucks, and 131 °C for 1.2 s within 2 s for the 2016 Volt, with 1.5 s in the 2019 table; each is Type A, one trip. Thermistor circuit codes such as P0BE0 and P0BE1 take priority and block the check. P0C14 and P0C15 are phases U and V, P0C13 is phase W on motor A. CARB allows some protective overtemperature strategies to run without MIL, but GM lights it here. Look for weak cooling first; until then motor B is derated.
P0C16 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 P0C16
- Malfunction indicator lamp after one drive
- Reduced propulsion, notably at high load or high ambient temperature
- Hybrid system overheat message
Common causes of P0C16
- Most likelyLow coolant level or air in the power electronics loop
- Most likelyElectric coolant pump of the inverter failed or blocked
- PossibleDirty low-temperature radiator or inoperative fan
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 w
What each part of P0C16 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. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C16 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 P0C16
What does P0C16 mean?
P0C16 means "Drive Motor B Inverter Phase W Over Temperature". P0C16 is set by the motor B inverter when phase W runs too hot and the temperature sensor itself shows no fault. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C16?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C16 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C16 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C16 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 P0C16 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C16 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.