P0CDA code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit C
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CDA means
P0CDA belongs to the rotor position sensor of drive motor A, normally a resolver: an excited stator winding induces signals in pick-up windings so the motor controller can work out rotor angle and speed. SAE counts the circuits of this sensor as A, B and C; GM, for instance, assigns circuit A to the S1/S3 winding and circuit B to S2/S4. What circuit C carries is not described in any public manufacturer document; the excitation winding or an additional signal path would be plausible, but neither is confirmed. No manufacturer publicly documents P0CDA, so CARB's demand to monitor electric drive inputs for circuit faults is the basis. Without a trustworthy angle the inverter cannot control torque, and the system limits or stops electric drive. Plausibility faults are P0CDB, low and high P0CDC and P0CDD.
P0CDA at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0CDA
- Hybrid system warning and MIL
- Electric drive limited or unavailable, engine runs more
- Reduced regenerative braking
Common causes of P0CDA
- Most likelyLoose, corroded or damaged resolver connector between motor and inverter
- PossibleDamaged resolver wiring
- Less likelyResolver winding of circuit C defective
- Less likelyEvaluation circuit in the motor control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a position sensor cWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0CDA 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. |
| DA | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CDA 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 P0CDA
What does P0CDA mean?
P0CDA means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit C". P0CDA belongs to the rotor position sensor of drive motor A, normally a resolver: an excited stator winding induces signals in pick-up windings so the motor controller can work out rotor angle and speed. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CDA?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CDA the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CDA fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CDA 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 P0CDA to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CDA clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.