P0C73 code meaning
Motor Electronics Coolant Pump A Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0C73 means
P0C73 reports that coolant pump A of the motor electronics, the loop that cools the inverter and often the drive motor, does not run the way the controller commands. Kia's bulletins for Niro and Carnival hybrids use exactly this name. The 2018 Outlander PHEV sets it when, with at least 30 % pump command for over 2 s, pump speed stays between 100 and 1,000 rpm or exceeds 5,300 rpm for 0.5 s; Mitsubishi lists air in the loop, wrong coolant level or mix and frozen coolant first. Toyota tied P0C73 on the 2014-2016 Highlander Hybrid to water corroding the inverter pump connector, Kia to water entering the pump can, Mercedes (M264) to trapped air. Battery pack pump faults use P0C47-P0C4D. Power is reduced to protect the inverter.
P0C73 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0C73
- Malfunction indicator lamp or hybrid warning lamp
- Coolant warning in the instrument cluster
- Reduced electric drive power at high load
Common causes of P0C73
- Most likelyAir trapped in the inverter cooling loop, often after coolant service
- PossibleWater ingress and corrosion at the pump connector or inside the pump housing
- PossibleLow coolant level, wrong mixture or frozen coolant
- PossibleElectric pump worn or seized
- Less likelyControl-unit software with faulty judgement logic
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Motor electronics coolant pump aCoolant circuitWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0C73 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. |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0C73 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 P0C73
What does P0C73 mean?
P0C73 means "Motor Electronics Coolant Pump A Control Performance". P0C73 reports that coolant pump A of the motor electronics, the loop that cools the inverter and often the drive motor, does not run the way the controller commands. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0C73?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0C73 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0C73 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0C73 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 P0C73 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0C73 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.