P0C5A code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C5A means
P0C5A is the base circuit code for Circuit B, the second pickup winding of the motor A resolver; GM calls it the S2/S4 winding, set 90 degrees from the S1/S3 winding of Circuit A. The code is meant for a fault on that winding which the controller cannot class as a low or high level. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. GM checks the S2/S4 line only through P0C5C and P0C5D. If P0C5A appears on its own, the problem is limited to the second winding and its two wires; if P0C50 is stored too, a shared part such as the connector or the excitation side is more likely. P0A3F, by contrast, covers a lost angle signal without naming a winding. Expect a warning and possibly no electric drive.
P0C5A 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 P0C5A
- Check engine lamp with drive system warning
- Electric drive limited or unavailable
- Vehicle may refuse to enter ready mode
Common causes of P0C5A
- Most likelyOpen wire or loose terminal in the S2/S4 (Circuit B) lines
- PossibleDamaged or corroded resolver connector
- PossibleDefective second pickup winding in the resolver stator
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 bWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C5A 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. |
| 5A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C5A 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 P0C5A
What does P0C5A mean?
P0C5A means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B". P0C5A is the base circuit code for Circuit B, the second pickup winding of the motor A resolver; GM calls it the S2/S4 winding, set 90 degrees from the S1/S3 winding of Circuit A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C5A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C5A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C5A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C5A 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 P0C5A to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C5A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.