P2E20 code meaning
Drive Motor A Phase Y Current Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P2Exx codes Check engine light
What P2E20 means
P2E20 is set when the phase Y current sensor of drive motor A reads within its electrical limits but not believably. No manufacturer documents P2E20 publicly. Besides the zero check, a current balance can expose a sensor with a wrong gain. GM's eAssist table checks whether motor DC current and the input current of the accessory power module match the battery pack current; a mismatch above 40 A in 90 of 96 samples, taken every 2.08 ms, sets the U-V-W correlation code P0BFD as two-trip Type B. While a single sensor code is active, GM skips that balance and runs current control in a mode that does not rely on the sensors. The Mitsubishi Electric patent that defines X/Y/Z windings measures all six phase currents one by one. A drifting sensor or a disturbed reference is likely. X and Z range faults: P2E1C, P2E24.
P2E20 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2E20
- Hybrid warning lamp and MIL
- Less electric assist, torque not as requested
- Motor whine or slight vibration
Common causes of P2E20
- Most likelyGain error of the phase Y sensor
- PossibleZero offset of the phase Y sensor shifted
- PossibleDisturbed reference voltage of the current sensors
- Less likelyMotor control software needing an update
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Drive motor a phase y current sensorWiring harnessHybrid control module
What each part of P2E20 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 20 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2E20 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 P2E20
What does P2E20 mean?
P2E20 means "Drive Motor A Phase Y Current Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". P2E20 is set when the phase Y current sensor of drive motor A reads within its electrical limits but not believably. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2E20?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2E20 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2E20 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2E20 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 P2E20 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2E20 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.