P2C6D code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase Y Current Low
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C6D means
P2C6D is set when phase Y of drive motor A carries too little current while the inverter drives it, the typical signature of an open phase. No manufacturer documents P2C6D publicly. A test of this kind can run at start-up: on its 2019 power-split hybrids Ford checks the phase circuits right after power-up and declares a fault if less than 5 A flows during the 100 ms test. On a dual-winding motor of the kind shown in a Mitsubishi Electric patent, each winding set is driven separately, so an open Y lead in the second set does not affect U, V and W, but the machine loses torque and runs unevenly. Typical finds are a lifted or burnt terminal, a cracked busbar, a dead switching leg or an open winding. P2C6C is the general Y code, P2C6E the high side.
P2C6D 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 P2C6D
- Hybrid or drive warning and MIL
- Noticeably weaker electric drive, vibration or humming under load
Common causes of P2C6D
- Most likelyPhase Y lead, busbar or terminal open or high-resistance
- PossibleY switching leg of the inverter not conducting (switch or gate driver)
- PossiblePhase Y current sensor or its supply failed, reading near zero
- Less likelyOpen phase Y winding inside the motor
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 yInverter
What each part of P2C6D 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. |
| 6D | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C6D 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 P2C6D
What does P2C6D mean?
P2C6D means "Drive Motor A Phase Y Current Low". P2C6D is set when phase Y of drive motor A carries too little current while the inverter drives it, the typical signature of an open phase. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C6D?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C6D the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C6D fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C6D 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 P2C6D to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C6D clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.