P0D71 code meaning
A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P0Dxx codes Check engine light
What P0D71 means
P0D71 is a plausibility test for the compressor control module's internal (CPU) temperature sensor: after a long rest, every temperature in the compressor should be close to its surroundings. GM's 2011 Volt compares it with intake air and with the output-stage sensor and fails above 6 °C in 35 of 40 samples at 250 ms. The 2016 Volt uses more than 22 °C against outside air and the IGBT sensor once the compressor has been off for over 7,200 s, the 2016 ELR 10 °C, and the 2019 Volt 22 °C in 8 of 10 s; outside air has to be above −7 °C. All are Type B with MIL after two trips. A drifting sensor, a faulty reference sensor or a compressor still warm from use can trigger it; range faults are P0D72 and P0D73.
P0D71 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0D71
- Check engine light after two trips
- Usually no noticeable change in A/C operation
Common causes of P0D71
- Most likelyDrifting internal temperature sensor in the compressor electronics
- PossibleOutside air, intake air or IGBT sensor used for comparison is wrong
- Less likelyCompressor not fully cooled down when the test ran
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 P0D71 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D71 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 P0D71
What does P0D71 mean?
P0D71 means "A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Performance". P0D71 is a plausibility test for the compressor control module's internal (CPU) temperature sensor: after a long rest, every temperature in the compressor should be close to its surroundings. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D71?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0D71 fail an emissions test?
P0D71 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 P0D71 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D71 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.