P0C16Drive Motor B 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
- P0C16 is set by the motor B inverter when phase W runs too hot and the temperature sensor itself shows no fault. GM's tables give PIM sensor F above 98 °C for the 2011 Volt, above 88 °C with an 85 °C reset for the 2012 two-mode trucks, and 131 °C for 1.2 s within 2 s for the 2016 Volt, with 1.5 s in the 2019 table; each is Type A, one trip. Thermistor circuit codes such as P0BE0 and P0BE1 take priority and block the check. P0C14 and P0C15 are phases U and V, P0C13 is phase W on motor A. CARB allows some protective overtemperature strategies to run without MIL, but GM lights it here. Look for weak cooling first; until then motor B is derated.
- What you may notice
- Malfunction indicator lamp after one drive
- Reduced propulsion, notably at high load or high ambient temperature
- Hybrid system overheat message
- Likely causes
- LikelyLow coolant level or air in the power electronics loop
- LikelyElectric coolant pump of the inverter failed or blocked
- PossibleDirty low-temperature radiator or inoperative fan
- 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.