P0D70 code meaning
A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit
What P0D70 means
The control electronics inside an electric A/C compressor carry a temperature sensor on the processor board, called internal sensor A; the compressor uses it to protect itself and reports the value to the vehicle. P0D70 is the general circuit code for it: the value is missing or invalid without a defined low or high reading. No manufacturer documents P0D70 publicly. GM's Volt and ELR tables only use P0D71 (comparison with other temperatures), P0D72 (below −40 °C) and P0D73 (above 150 or 274 °C) for this sensor. A Hyundai patent on temperature sensors of power electronics lists open connectors, shorts, noise and board faults as the usual origins. As the sensor sits on the module's circuit board, a confirmed fault usually means a new compressor assembly; cooling may be reduced or stop.
P0D70 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D70
- Air conditioning weak or off
- Battery cooling via refrigerant may be limited
- Warning depending on the vehicle
Common causes of P0D70
- Most likelyTemperature sensor or its circuit on the compressor board failed
- PossibleValue not transmitted correctly over the data link
- Less likelyUnstable 12 V supply or ground of the compressor electronics
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ac compressor cm internal temp sensor aAc compressor module
What each part of P0D70 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D70 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 P0D70
What does P0D70 mean?
P0D70 means "A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit". The control electronics inside an electric A/C compressor carry a temperature sensor on the processor board, called internal sensor A; the compressor uses it to protect itself and reports the value to the vehicle. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D70?
P0D70 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D70 fail an emissions test?
P0D70 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0D70 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D70 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.