P0C13Drive Motor A Inverter Phase W 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
- P0C13 covers phase W of the motor A inverter: the controller sees a credible sensor reading that exceeds the overtemperature limit. GM's 2011 Volt uses PIM sensor E with 98 °C, the 2012 two-mode trucks 88 °C, the 2016 and 2018 tables 126 °C for 1.2 s within a 2 s window and the 2019 table 128 °C for 1.5 s, always Type A, one trip, so the MIL comes on at once. The check is blocked while circuit or performance faults of the thermistor are active. Siblings are P0C11 for phase U and P0C12 for phase V; P0C16 is phase W on motor B. Because the code reports a real heat condition, the cooling system of the power electronics is the first place to look; output stays limited.
- What you may notice
- Malfunction indicator lamp immediately after the fault
- Reduced propulsion until temperatures drop
- Engine runs more often, little or no electric driving
- Likely causes
- LikelyCoolant loss or air pocket in the power electronics loop
- LikelyElectric coolant pump for the inverter stopped or running slow
- PossibleDebris on the low-temperature radiator or cooling fan not running
- 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.