P0C61 code meaning
Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit B Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C61 means
P0C61 reports a reference level below the lower limit on the S2/S4 winding circuit of the motor B resolver. GM uses 0.5 V on the 2011 and 2016 Volt and the 2012 two-mode trucks, 0.10 V on the 2019 Volt, and needs the low reading for 50 of 80 samples on early cars, 0.25 s within 0.375 s on the 2019 model. A documented field case comes from the 2008 Tahoe and Yukon Hybrid: GM's PIP4607A describes no-crank or intermittent start complaints with P0A45, P0C61, P0A46 and P1B04, traced to a badly crimped pin 20 in the 24-way transmission pass-through connector X176; vehicles built before VIN 8R217000 receive a new internal transmission harness. P0C62 is the high side.
P0C61 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0C61
- Engine does not crank or cranks only intermittently
- Check engine lamp with several resolver codes of motor B
- Reduced propulsion
Common causes of P0C61
- Most likelyPoor crimp at the transmission pass-through connector (GM PIP4607A, 2008 Tahoe/Yukon Hybrid)
- PossibleS2/S4 line of motor B shorted to ground
- Less likelyShorted S2/S4 winding in the motor B resolver
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 bWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C61 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. |
| 61 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C61 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 P0C61
What does P0C61 mean?
P0C61 means "Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit B Low". P0C61 reports a reference level below the lower limit on the S2/S4 winding circuit of the motor B resolver. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C61?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C61 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C61 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C61 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 P0C61 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C61 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.