P2D3CCold Start Hybrid/EV Drive Motor Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- In a hybrid the electric drive motor can be part of the strategy that cuts emissions after a cold start, and P2D3C says it did not perform as that strategy required. CARB demands separate diagnostics for elements of the cold start strategy that are also monitored in normal operation, so a motor fault found during warm-up is kept apart from the general P0A90. No manufacturer documents P2D3C publicly. GM patent US8838316B2 explains the role: the motor drives the car and spins the unfuelled engine to roughly 1,000 to 1,800 rpm, ideally 1,200 to 1,400 rpm, so it can light off the catalyst with retarded spark; if the motor cannot cover the driver's request within its limits, the strategy is abandoned. A motor that falls short therefore costs catalyst heating and raises cold start emissions. Look for further motor, inverter or battery codes.
- What you may notice
- Malfunction indicator lamp on
- Engine starts earlier or runs rougher after a cold start than usual
- Often no noticeable change in driving
- Likely causes
- LikelyMotor output derated by temperature or another motor fault
- PossibleCold or weak traction battery limiting the power available to the motor
- PossibleCalibration of the cold start strategy in the hybrid controller (software update)
- RareResolver or motor position sensor fault affecting torque delivery
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Workshop only · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €100 – €3,000
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.