What it means
The ECM detects a circuit low fault on the drive motor inverter temperature sensor f 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
The inverter uses power electronics to turn the high-voltage battery’s DC power into controlled current for the drive motor. The ECM monitors temperature sensor F inside the drive motor inverter. This code sets when its signal circuit reads lower than the module’s usable range, so the ECM cannot rely on the temperature reading to protect or control the inverter.
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
- Record freeze-frame data and check related hybrid or inverter codes first to see when the sensor F fault occurred and whether other inverter readings are affected.
- With the vehicle powered down according to the manufacturer’s safety procedure, inspect the sensor F connector and accessible wiring for corrosion, damage, moisture, or a signal wire contacting ground.
- Check live data for inverter temperature sensor F and compare it with other available temperature readings under similar conditions for an implausibly low or fixed value.
- Have a qualified technician test the sensor F signal circuit for a short to ground and check connector contact quality using the manufacturer’s wiring information.
- If the wiring and connector pass, test the sensor F element and its circuit against the manufacturer’s specification to distinguish an internal sensor short from a harness fault.
Common fixes
- Clean and secure corroded or loose sensor F connector terminals using the approved repair method.
- Repair damaged sensor F wiring or insulation where the signal is shorted to ground.
- Replace the inverter temperature sensor F if its test confirms an internal short.
- Clear the code and verify that sensor F data is plausible and the fault does not return.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid hard acceleration and high-load driving because the inverter may limit motor power or enter limp mode without a reliable temperature F reading. If power drops sharply or the vehicle warns that it may shut down, stop somewhere safe and arrange recovery.
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.