P2C6B code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase X Current High
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C6B means
P2C6B flags an overcurrent in phase X of drive motor A. X, Y and Z name the second three-phase winding set of a dual-winding machine, which a Mitsubishi Electric patent shows with its own inverter bridge and a current sensor per phase. No carmaker documents P2C6B publicly. Ford's 2019 hybrid summary gives the logic for the U/V/W counterparts (P0A5F, P0A62, P0A65): the motor control unit declares overcurrent above 600 A for 400 microseconds, or above 30 A for 200 ms right after power-up, when hardly any current should flow. Real causes are a short between windings or to the housing, or a power switch that stays conducting; a sensor reading too high fakes the fault. The inverter cuts drive to protect itself. P2C6A is the low side, P2C6E and P2C71 the high faults of Y and Z.
P2C6B 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 P2C6B
- Hybrid or drive system warning with MIL on
- Sudden loss of electric drive, vehicle may not become ready
- Isolation fault codes stored at the same time if the winding touches the housing
Common causes of P2C6B
- PossibleTurn-to-turn or ground short in the phase X winding of drive motor A
- PossibleIGBT/MOSFET of the X leg in the inverter shorted or failing to turn off
- PossiblePhase X current sensor reading too high (gain or offset drift)
- Less likelyChafed or wet phase X lead touching another phase or the housing
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 P2C6B 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. |
| 6B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C6B 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 P2C6B
What does P2C6B mean?
P2C6B means "Drive Motor A Phase X Current High". P2C6B flags an overcurrent in phase X of drive motor A. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C6B?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C6B the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C6B fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C6B 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 P2C6B to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C6B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.