OBD-II fault code

P0BD9: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor "D" Circuit High

What it means

The ECM detects a circuit high fault on the drive motor inverter temperature sensor d 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

Inverter temperature sensor D reports the temperature at its monitored point in the drive motor inverter to the ECM. P0BD9 sets when the D signal circuit voltage rises above its acceptable range, commonly from a signal short to battery voltage or an open sensor circuit; the ECM then cannot trust that reading.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal wire shorted to B+
  2. Open sensor
  3. 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

  1. Read freeze-frame and hybrid control data to see when sensor D went high and whether other inverter temperature readings remain plausible.
  2. With the vehicle powered down according to the manufacturer's procedure, inspect sensor D's connector and harness for an open, corrosion, or damaged insulation that could contact a power feed.
  3. Test the D signal wire for a short to B+ and check circuit continuity and connector contact condition using the manufacturer's procedure.
  4. Compare sensor D's live value with other inverter temperature readings as operating conditions change; a fixed extreme reading can help distinguish an open or short from a real temperature change.
  5. If the harness checks pass, test sensor D against the manufacturer's specification before investigating the control module.

Common fixes

  • Reseat the sensor D connector and clean or repair corroded terminals.
  • Repair an open in the sensor D signal or connector circuit.
  • Repair insulation damage causing the signal wire to contact B+.
  • Replace sensor D if it fails the manufacturer's test.

Can I keep driving?

Keep driving only as far as needed to reach a safe place if the vehicle still responds normally; reduced motor power or shutdown may occur without dependable inverter temperature data. Avoid heavy loads and stop safely if a hybrid warning or limp mode appears.

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.

Codes for the same component