What it means
Drive motor A phase W current is above the expected range. The code identifies a high-current condition but does not establish its cause.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
The inverter switches current through motor A’s phase W winding to create torque. The control module monitors the measured phase W current and sets this code when it exceeds the expected range, which can happen with a phase-to-phase short or a stalled rotor.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Short between motor phases
- Rotor stalled - high stall current
Symptoms
- EV/hybrid system warning light on
- Reduced motor power or torque
- Possible limp mode or vehicle shutdown
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and review live motor A phase currents, looking for an unusually high phase W reading or an imbalance with phases U and V.
- Check for related motor, inverter, or rotor-speed codes that may point to a short or a motor that is not turning.
- With the vehicle safely powered down according to the manufacturer’s procedure, inspect motor A phase wiring and connectors for damaged insulation, melted areas, or contact between phase wires.
- Have the motor A phase windings and insulation checked for a phase-to-phase short using the manufacturer’s test procedure.
- If the motor and wiring pass, have the rotor and inverter switching checked for a stall or a fault causing excessive phase W current.
Common fixes
- Repair damaged or chafed phase wiring and restore proper separation between phase conductors.
- Repair a damaged motor A phase W connector.
- Repair or replace the motor if a phase-to-phase winding short or mechanical seizure is confirmed.
- Repair or replace the inverter only if testing confirms it is driving phase W current too high.
Can I keep driving?
Do not continue driving if the warning is accompanied by reduced torque, abnormal motor noise, limp mode, or a shutdown message; a stalled or shorted phase can cause sudden loss of propulsion and further inverter or motor damage. Have the hybrid system checked promptly.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.