P0CBE code meaning
Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CBE means
P0CBE says the coolant temperature input of drive motor A is below its valid range, meaning the sensor resistance has become very small. GM's 2013 eAssist table 13OBDG05C sets the code when the raw reading is under 100.9 Ω, which equals 120 °C, in 50 of 62 samples taken every 100 ms with the vehicle in run/crank; it is a Type B fault, so the lamp comes on after the second trip. Such a low value is usually a shorted sensor or a signal line rubbing through to ground. GM's preliminary information PIC5720A for 2012–2013 LaCrosse and Regal, 2013 Malibu Eco and 2014 Impala Eco with eAssist describes exactly that: a misrouted harness touching the crank, A/C compressor pulley or belt, together with C027B and C0040 and a humming noise. Its partner for an open circuit is P0CBF.
P0CBE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0CBE
- Check-engine lamp, possibly with ABS or brake assist warning
- Hum or buzz from the right front
- Electric assist restricted
Common causes of P0CBE
- Most likelyHarness rubbing on crank or compressor pulley or belt (GM PIC5720A)
- PossibleCoolant temperature sensor shorted internally
- Less likelyLoop genuinely very hot, e.g. pump or coolant fault
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 P0CBE 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. |
| BE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CBE 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 P0CBE
What does P0CBE mean?
P0CBE means "Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low". P0CBE says the coolant temperature input of drive motor A is below its valid range, meaning the sensor resistance has become very small. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CBE?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CBE the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CBE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CBE 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 P0CBE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CBE 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.