P0C5D code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C5D means
P0C5D means the S2/S4 winding circuit of the motor A resolver, Circuit B, reads a reference level above its ceiling. This hints at an open wire whose input floats toward the supply, or contact with a voltage-carrying conductor. GM applies 4.5 V on most of its hybrids, 4.9 V on the 2019 Volt and a much lower 3.0 V on the 2012 two-mode Tahoe, Yukon, Escalade, Sierra and Silverado. On the 2013 eAssist cars, 20 failed samples out of 30 at 10.4 ms set a two-trip Type B fault; the 2011 Volt uses the same count as a one-trip Type A. When P0C5D appears with P0C53, the shared plug or the resolver itself is more likely than a single wire. No bulletin names this code.
P0C5D 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 P0C5D
- Check engine lamp after one or two trips depending on the vehicle
- Electric assist or drive unavailable
- Auto stop disabled on mild hybrids
Common causes of P0C5D
- Most likelyOpen S2 or S4 wire or backed-out terminal
- PossibleS2/S4 line touching a voltage-carrying conductor
- PossibleBroken S2/S4 winding in the resolver stator
- Less likelyFaulty resolver input stage 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 bWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C5D 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. |
| 5D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C5D 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 P0C5D
What does P0C5D mean?
P0C5D means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit B High". P0C5D means the S2/S4 winding circuit of the motor A resolver, Circuit B, reads a reference level above its ceiling. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C5D?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C5D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C5D fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C5D 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 P0C5D to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C5D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.