P0CBD code meaning
Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CBD means
P0CBD reports that the coolant temperature sensor of drive motor A gives a believable voltage but an implausible temperature. GM uses it on the 2013 eAssist models, where the drive motor is the belt-driven motor generator with its own small cooling loop. Table 13OBDG05C runs the check once per key cycle after an engine-off period of more than 21,600 s: the loop sensor is compared with the mean of stator temperature, intake air temperature and transmission fluid temperature, and a difference above 25 °C in 50 of 62 samples at 100 ms is a Type B fault. The test is skipped while stator sensor codes P0A2B–P0A2D, intake air or transmission fluid sensor codes, the sensor's own P0CBE/P0CBF or CAN faults U0100/U0101 are active. A drifting sensor is the likely cause; the motor generator may be limited meanwhile.
P0CBD at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0CBD
- Check-engine lamp after the second faulty trip
- Reduced electric assist or regeneration
Common causes of P0CBD
- Most likelyCoolant temperature sensor drifted out of its curve
- PossibleAdded resistance from a corroded connector
- Less likelyOne of the comparison sensors (stator, intake air, transmission oil) reading wrongly
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a coolant temp sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0CBD 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. |
| BD | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CBD 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 P0CBD
What does P0CBD mean?
P0CBD means "Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". P0CBD reports that the coolant temperature sensor of drive motor A gives a believable voltage but an implausible temperature. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CBD?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CBD the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CBD fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CBD 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 P0CBD to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CBD 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.