P0C59 code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit A Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C59 means
P0C59 reports that Circuit A of the motor B resolver drops out or jumps for moments only, without a fault that persists as low, high or implausible. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Where a dual-motor system uses it, the cause is nearly always mechanical: a terminal that loses grip under vibration, a cable section that flexes with the transmission, or water creeping into a plug. The GM truck note PIP4607A shows how a single poorly crimped terminal at the transmission pass-through connector can upset resolver signals of motor B. Since short glitches on a position signal disturb torque control, the controller may still cut motor B briefly. P0C57 and P0C58 are the steady faults on the same winding.
P0C59 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0C59
- Warning lamp that comes and goes
- Short loss of motor B assistance or a jerk
- Intermittent start problems on some hybrids
Common causes of P0C59
- Most likelyPoorly crimped or loose terminal in the motor B Circuit A path
- PossibleWire breaking inside its insulation where the harness flexes
- PossibleWater ingress at the resolver or pass-through connector
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor b position sensor aWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C59 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. |
| 59 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C59 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 P0C59
What does P0C59 mean?
P0C59 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit A Intermittent/Erratic". P0C59 reports that Circuit A of the motor B resolver drops out or jumps for moments only, without a fault that persists as low, high or implausible. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C59?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C59 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C59 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C59 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 P0C59 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C59 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.