P2C71 code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase Z Current High
Powertrain system Generic code P2Cxx codes Check engine light
What P2C71 means
P2C71 reports overcurrent in phase Z of drive motor A, the last phase of the second winding set. No manufacturer documents P2C71 publicly. Once overcurrent is detected the inverter has to bring the machine into a safe state, and the Mitsubishi Electric patent on dual-winding drives deals with exactly that: when the battery link opens, each winding set is moved in steps from a phase short circuit to all switches off, at different times, so that the voltage induced by the spinning rotor cannot damage the inverter. For the driver this means a sudden loss of drive power and a warning. Ford's limits for the U/V/W case, 600 A for 400 microseconds, show how fast such checks are. Suspect a shorted switch, a winding or lead short, or a sensor error. P2C70 is the low side, P2C6B and P2C6E are X and Y.
P2C71 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 P2C71
- Sudden loss of drive power with hybrid or drive warning
- MIL on, vehicle may not restart into ready mode
Common causes of P2C71
- PossibleShorted power semiconductor in the Z leg
- PossibleShort in the phase Z winding or lead, to another phase or ground
- PossiblePhase Z current sensor reading too high or noisy
- Less likelyInverter control software reacting wrongly to transients
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 P2C71 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. |
| 71 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2C71 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 P2C71
What does P2C71 mean?
P2C71 means "Drive Motor A Phase Z Current High". P2C71 reports overcurrent in phase Z of drive motor A, the last phase of the second winding set. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2C71?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2C71 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2C71 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2C71 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 P2C71 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1.5 to 8 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2C71 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.