P0CBF code meaning
Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CBF means
P0CBF is the code for an excessive signal from the coolant temperature sensor of drive motor A. With an NTC element a very high resistance stands for extreme cold, so in practice an open sensor, a broken wire or a disconnected plug is behind it. In GM's 2013 eAssist table 13OBDG05C the code is set when the raw value exceeds 176,962 Ω, the equivalent of −40 °C, in 50 of 62 samples at 100 ms with ignition in run/crank, Type B, two trips. Because −40 °C is a real if rare ambient temperature, the check uses a resistance far beyond the normal working curve. With the loop temperature unknown, the system has to fall back on substitute values and may scale back the electric assist. The codes P0CBD and P0CC2 rely on this sensor and are blocked while P0CBF is present; P0CBE is its low counterpart.
P0CBF 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 P0CBF
- Check-engine lamp after two trips
- Coolant temperature of the motor shown at minimum value
Common causes of P0CBF
- Most likelyOpen signal or return wire, or unplugged sensor
- PossibleSensor element open internally
- Less likelyCorroded pins at sensor or 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 coolant temp sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0CBF 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. |
| BF | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CBF 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 P0CBF
What does P0CBF mean?
P0CBF means "Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit High". P0CBF is the code for an excessive signal from the coolant temperature sensor of drive motor A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CBF?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CBF the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CBF fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CBF 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 P0CBF to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CBF 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.