P0D31 code meaning
Drive Motor A Inverter Voltage Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D31 means
P0D31 covers a voltage signal from the drive motor A inverter that drops out or jumps for brief moments without staying out of range long enough for P0D2F or P0D30. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. Related checks show the time scale: Mitsubishi rates the same sensor as failed only after 0.16 to 0.3 s outside its window, so shorter glitches need a separate test. Denso describes comparing the measured inverter input voltage with a value estimated from the motor control loop, which also exposes a signal that jitters. Likely triggers are a loose low-voltage connector at the inverter, a chafed harness, or a sensing circuit in the power electronics that fails with heat or vibration. CARB requires such input signals to be checked for circuit faults and rationality. The hybrid warning may come and go.
P0D31 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0D31
- Hybrid system warning that comes and goes
- Brief power loss or jerky electric drive
Common causes of P0D31
- Most likelyLoose or corroded low-voltage connector at the inverter
- PossibleChafed signal wiring with intermittent contact
- PossibleSensing circuit in the power electronics fails with heat or vibration
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a inverter voltage sensor aWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P0D31 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 31 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D31 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 P0D31
What does P0D31 mean?
P0D31 means "Drive Motor A Inverter Voltage Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P0D31 covers a voltage signal from the drive motor A inverter that drops out or jumps for brief moments without staying out of range long enough for P0D2F or P0D30. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D31?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0D31 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0D31 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0D31 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 P0D31 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D31 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.