P0CDC code meaning
Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit C Low
Powertrain system Generic code P0Cxx codes Check engine light
What P0CDC means
P0CDC reports that circuit C of the rotor position sensor on drive motor A reads below its permitted window. Typical reasons are a short to ground, a short between windings or a low-resistance path through moisture in the connector. For circuits A and B GM shows how such a test works: the motor control processor compares the sensed resolver voltage with a threshold and sets a Type B code when it stays out of range for 0.25 s within a 0.375 s window (P0C52, P0C5C). No manufacturer publicly documents the circuit C version, and what that circuit carries is not published. As soon as the angle signal becomes unreliable, the inverter reduces or stops electric drive torque, and regeneration may be cut as well. Check plug and harness to the inverter before replacing parts. The high fault is P0CDD.
P0CDC 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 P0CDC
- Hybrid system warning and MIL
- Electric drive limited, engine runs instead
- Reduced or no regenerative braking
Common causes of P0CDC
- Most likelyCircuit C wire shorted to ground or to another resolver wire
- PossibleMoisture or corrosion in the resolver connector
- Less likelyResolver winding internally shorted
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 P0CDC 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. |
| DC | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0CDC 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 P0CDC
What does P0CDC mean?
P0CDC means "Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit C Low". P0CDC reports that circuit C of the rotor position sensor on drive motor A reads below its permitted window. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0CDC?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0CDC the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0CDC fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0CDC 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 P0CDC to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0CDC clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.