P2C70 code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase Z Current Low
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C70 means
P2C70 means phase Z of drive motor A delivers too little current although the inverter is commanding it. No manufacturer documents P2C70 publicly. GM's missing-phase check for the U/V/W set shows the principle: the 2016 Volt only judges a phase while the rotor angle sits near that phase axis and enough current is requested, and fails it when the peak stays under 9 A, Type A with MIL after one trip. The window matters, because a phase near its zero crossing carries little current even when healthy. For the Z phase of the second set the most likely finds are an open lead or terminal, a burnt connection at the inverter or a sensor stuck at zero. Torque drops and the motor may vibrate. P2C6F is the general Z code, P2C71 the high side, P2C6A and P2C6D the low cases of X and Y.
P2C70 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 P2C70
- MIL and hybrid or drive warning
- Loss of torque and vibration from the motor under load
Common causes of P2C70
- Most likelyPhase Z lead or terminal open or burnt
- PossiblePhase Z current sensor stuck near zero
- PossibleZ leg of the inverter not switching
- Less likelyOpen phase Z winding in 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 zInverter
What each part of P2C70 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. |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C70 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 P2C70
What does P2C70 mean?
P2C70 means "Drive Motor A Phase Z Current Low". P2C70 means phase Z of drive motor A delivers too little current although the inverter is commanding it. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C70?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C70 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C70 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C70 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 P2C70 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C70 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.