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P0C1C code meaning

Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit

Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light

What P0C1C means

P0C1C is the general circuit fault of the temperature sensor inside the auxiliary pump control module, used when the signal is invalid without fitting the low, high or range checks. No manufacturer documents it publicly. GM's 2016 ELR pump controller monitors its inverter sensor with own codes P1E34 to P1E36 instead, and the Honda CVT pump patent shows why the reading matters: it is the basis for switching the pump off before the board overheats. Without a valid value the controller cannot protect itself, so the pump usually runs restricted or stays off. CARB requires such sensors to be checked for circuit faults. Because the sensor is on the circuit board, the fix is normally the module or the pump assembly. P0C1D to P0C1F are the specific variants.

P0C1C at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modePossible
  • Repair difficultyHard
  • Typical labor1 to 4 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of P0C1C

  • Warning lamp or transmission message
  • Start-stop function inactive

Common causes of P0C1C

  • Most likelyTemperature sensor or its measuring circuit on the module board faulty
  • PossibleUnstable supply or ground of the pump module distorting the sensor reading
  • Less likelyMoisture or fluid inside the module housing

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Aux trans pump control module

What each part of P0C1C means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
0Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard).
CArea: hybrid propulsion.
1CThe exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P0C1C 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 P0C1C

What does P0C1C mean?

P0C1C means "Electric/Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor Circuit". P0C1C is the general circuit fault of the temperature sensor inside the auxiliary pump control module, used when the signal is invalid without fitting the low, high or range checks. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P0C1C?

Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C1C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.

Will P0C1C fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P0C1C 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 P0C1C to fix?

Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.

Will P0C1C clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

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Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 17 Oct 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P0C1C