P0EF6 code meaning
Drive Motor C Temperature Sensor Over Temperature
Powertrain system Generic code P0Exx codes Check engine light
What P0EF6 means
P0EF6 is not an electrical fault: the drive motor C temperature sensor delivers a believable value, but that value has passed the motor's protection limit. No manufacturer documents P0EF6 publicly. For motor B on the 2016 Cadillac ELR, GM sets P0A35 when the temperature exceeds 149 °C and does not fall back below a reset threshold, Type A, and only while the range check P0A31 is passing. Ford's 2019 hybrids set P0A2F at a coil temperature above 140 °C or transmission oil above 115 °C. Causes are mostly on the cooling side, such as low coolant or oil, a failed pump or a clogged cooler, but long full-load phases or a winding with shorted turns also heat the motor. Torque of motor C is cut until it cools; sensor circuit faults belong to P0EF1 to P0EF5.
P0EF6 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0EF6
- Clearly reduced power until the motor has cooled down
- Warning about drive system overheating
- MIL on (manufacturer-dependent)
Common causes of P0EF6
- Most likelyLow coolant or oil level, or air in the motor cooling circuit
- PossibleFailed coolant or oil pump, or clogged cooler
- PossibleLong full-load phases such as towing, track use or steep climbs
- Less likelyShorted turns in the stator winding generating extra heat
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor cDrive motor c temp sensorMotor electronics coolant pump
What each part of P0EF6 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| F6 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0EF6 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 P0EF6
What does P0EF6 mean?
P0EF6 means "Drive Motor C Temperature Sensor Over Temperature". P0EF6 is not an electrical fault: the drive motor C temperature sensor delivers a believable value, but that value has passed the motor's protection limit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0EF6?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0EF6 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0EF6 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0EF6 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 P0EF6 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0EF6 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.