P0C5C code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C5C means
P0C5C tells that the reference level on the S2/S4 winding of the motor A resolver, Circuit B, has fallen below its floor. GM uses 0.5 V on the 2011 Volt, 2012 two-mode trucks, 2013 eAssist and the 2016 Volt and ELR, 0.10 V on the 2019 Volt; the low side needs a longer confirmation than the high side, for example 0.525 s within 0.8375 s on the 2016 Volt. On the single-motor eAssist it is a two-trip Type B code. Bentley lists P0C5C00 first in its Bentayga Hybrid note 2066714: damaged 12 V transmission wiring, often with P0C5200 and a temperature sensor code P0A2D00, so a harness worn through on one spot can pull down both windings and other motor sensors at once.
P0C5C 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 P0C5C
- Engine warning light, often with P0C52 and a motor temperature code
- Electric drive limited or switched off
- On mild hybrids loss of start-stop and assist
Common causes of P0C5C
- Most likelyTransmission harness chafed or pinched, grounding an S2/S4 line (Bentley TPI 2066714)
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the resolver connector
- PossibleShorted S2/S4 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 P0C5C 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. |
| 5C | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C5C 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 P0C5C
What does P0C5C mean?
P0C5C means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B Low". P0C5C tells that the reference level on the S2/S4 winding of the motor A resolver, Circuit B, has fallen below its floor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C5C?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C5C the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C5C fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C5C 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 P0C5C to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C5C clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.