P0C12Drive Motor A Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- P0C12 sets when the inverter for motor A measures an excessive temperature at phase V while its sensor itself is plausible. In GM's 2011 Volt table that is PIM sensor C above 98 °C; the two-mode trucks of 2012 use 88 °C with an 85 °C reset, the 2016 Volt 126 °C for 1.2 s out of 2 s and the 2016 ELR 102.5 °C, all Type A, one trip. The sensor circuit codes of that thermistor, such as P0BD1 and P0BD2, have their own numbers and must be ruled out first. P0C11 and P0C13 are phases U and W, P0C15 is phase V on motor B. GM bulletin PIC6303A lists these overheat codes as a sign of insufficient cooling. Power is reduced while the inverter is hot.
- What you may notice
- Malfunction indicator lamp after one drive
- Propulsion power reduced, especially under load or in hot weather
- Hybrid system overheat or service message
- Likely causes
- LikelyLow coolant level or trapped air in the inverter cooling loop
- LikelyInoperative electric coolant pump of the power electronics
- PossibleBlocked low-temperature radiator or failed cooling fan
- RareDegraded thermal contact or failing power stage inside the inverter
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Hard · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €50 – €3,500
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.