P0C52 code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit A Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C52 means
P0C52 reports that the DC reference level on Circuit A of the motor A resolver, the S1/S3 winding in GM terms, has dropped too low, which points to a short to ground or a line pulled down. GM fails it below 0.5 V on the 2011 Volt, 2012 two-mode trucks, 2013 eAssist and 2016 ELR, and below 0.10 V on the 2019 Volt. Timing ranges from 50 of 80 samples taken every 10.4 ms (one trip, Type A) to 0.525 s within 0.8375 s on the 2016 Volt or 0.25 s within 0.375 s on the 2019 Volt (both Type B). Bentley finds P0C5200, often with P0C5C00, on 2020-22 Bentayga Hybrids with a chafed 12 V transmission harness. Unlike P0A41, which rates the whole signal, this code names one winding.
P0C52 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0C52
- Check engine lamp, often with P0C5C stored at the same time
- Electric drive shut off or power reduced
- On some hybrids the engine runs constantly or the car will not start
Common causes of P0C52
- Most likelyChafed or pinched transmission harness shorting a Circuit A line to ground (Bentley TPI 2066714)
- PossibleWater or corrosion in the resolver connector
- PossibleShorted S1/S3 winding inside the resolver stator
- Less likelyFaulty resolver input in the motor control module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a position sensor aWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C52 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. |
| 52 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C52 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 P0C52
What does P0C52 mean?
P0C52 means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit A Low". P0C52 reports that the DC reference level on Circuit A of the motor A resolver, the S1/S3 winding in GM terms, has dropped too low, which points to a short to ground or a line pulled down. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C52?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C52 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C52 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C52 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 P0C52 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C52 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.