P2C6A code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase X Current Low
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C6A means
P2C6A means that too little current is seen in phase X of drive motor A while the inverter is driving it, which typically points to an open phase or a dead sensor. No carmaker documents the code publicly. GM's U/V/W counterpart shows how such a check works: in the 2016 Volt, the motor control processor samples each phase while the rotor sits within 30 degrees of that phase axis, with the inverter in normal PWM above 50 V and more than 900 A2 commanded; a peak below 9 A for 0.4 s within 0.6 s sets the code as Type A, MIL after one trip. In a dual-winding motor with a second X/Y/Z set, as in a Mitsubishi Electric patent, the same test would apply to phase X. P2C69 is the general X code, P2C6B the high side, P2C6D and P2C70 the low faults of Y and Z.
P2C6A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1.5 to 8 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2C6A
- Hybrid or drive system warning and MIL on
- Noticeably weaker or jerky electric drive, or drive disabled
Common causes of P2C6A
- Most likelyPhase X lead or terminal open or high-resistance between inverter and motor
- PossiblePhase X current sensor reading near zero (sensor or its supply failed)
- PossibleSwitching leg for phase X in the inverter not conducting
- Less likelyOpen winding of phase X inside drive motor A
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor aDrive motor a phase xInverter
What each part of P2C6A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| C | Area: hybrid propulsion. |
| 6A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C6A 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 P2C6A
What does P2C6A mean?
P2C6A means "Drive Motor A Phase X Current Low". P2C6A means that too little current is seen in phase X of drive motor A while the inverter is driving it, which typically points to an open phase or a dead sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C6A?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C6A the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C6A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C6A 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 P2C6A to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C6A clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.