OBD-II fault code

P0BDD: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor "E" Circuit Low

What it means

The ECM detects a circuit low fault on the drive motor inverter temperature sensor e 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 E reports temperature at its monitored point in the drive motor inverter to the ECM. P0BDD sets when the E signal circuit voltage is below its acceptable range, often because the signal is grounded or the sensor is internally shorted, making the temperature reading unreliable.

Common causes

Most likely first.

  1. Signal wire shorted to ground
  2. Internal sensor short
  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 for sensor E and note whether its reported temperature is implausibly low compared with other inverter readings.
  2. With the vehicle powered down according to the manufacturer's procedure, inspect sensor E's connector and harness for corrosion, damaged insulation, or a pinched signal wire.
  3. Test the E signal circuit for a short to ground and inspect connector contacts and the ground reference using the manufacturer's procedure.
  4. Monitor the E live reading and compare it with other temperature readings to confirm the fault is isolated to the E circuit.
  5. If the wiring checks pass, test sensor E against the manufacturer's specification before replacing it.

Common fixes

  • Clean and reseat a corroded or loose sensor E connector, repairing damaged terminals as needed.
  • Repair a sensor E signal wire shorted to ground.
  • Replace sensor E if it fails the manufacturer's test.
  • Repair a verified circuit fault before considering a control-module fault.

Can I keep driving?

The ECM may limit motor output or the vehicle may enter limp mode because it cannot rely on sensor E's temperature. Avoid heavy acceleration and long trips, and pull over safely if a warning indicates the vehicle may shut down.

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