What it means
The ECM detects a circuit low fault on the drive motor inverter temperature sensor a circuit. Reading cannot be used reliably for control.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
Drive motor inverter temperature sensor A monitors the temperature of a specific area in the inverter. The control module sets this code when sensor A's signal is electrically low, which can result from a short to ground or a sensor or connector fault; it does not by itself confirm that the inverter is cold.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Internal sensor short
- Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance
Symptoms
- EV/hybrid system warning light on
- Reduced motor power or torque
- Possible limp mode or vehicle shutdown
How to diagnose it
- Check freeze-frame data and inverter temperature live data to confirm sensor A is the affected reading and note whether it is implausibly low.
- Compare sensor A with other available inverter temperature readings to determine whether the fault is isolated to this circuit.
- With the vehicle powered down as specified by the manufacturer, inspect sensor A's connector and harness for corrosion, damaged pins, trapped wiring, or contact with ground.
- Use the manufacturer's wiring information to test the sensor A signal circuit for a short to ground and check connector contact condition.
- Test sensor A and its circuit against the manufacturer's specification to distinguish an internally shorted sensor from a wiring fault.
Common fixes
- Reseat sensor A's connector and restore proper terminal contact.
- Repair a signal wire shorted to ground or replace damaged wiring.
- Clean or replace corroded connector terminals.
- Replace sensor A if it fails the manufacturer's test.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid hard acceleration and high-load driving if motor power is limited, and stop safely if the vehicle warns of a drive system fault or loses propulsion. The control module may restrict motor output or shut the vehicle down because it cannot rely on sensor A.
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.