What it means
The control module detected a low signal condition in the drive motor A coolant pump control circuit. Cooling may be affected; the vehicle response depends on the vehicle.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode
How it works
The drive motor A coolant pump control circuit operates the pump that circulates coolant through the drive motor cooling system. This code sets when the module sees the control signal below its expected level, which can point to a grounded wire, an internally shorted pump motor, or poor connector contact.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Wire shorted to ground
- Motor internal 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
- Review freeze-frame data and live pump command and motor temperature to see whether the low circuit condition coincides with a cooling demand.
- Inspect the drive motor A pump wiring and connector for chafing to ground, corrosion, moisture, or loose terminals.
- Check the control circuit for a short to ground and inspect connector contact quality according to the manufacturer's wiring information.
- Test the pump motor and its power and ground paths against the manufacturer's specification to distinguish a motor short from a harness fault.
- If the pump and wiring pass, test the module's control output and associated circuit using the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Repair a control wire shorted to ground.
- Clean or replace corroded pump connector terminals and restore proper contact.
- Repair damaged wiring or a poor pump ground connection found during testing.
- Replace the pump if its motor is internally shorted.
- Repair a confirmed module-side control fault.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid hard acceleration, towing, or other heavy loads because reduced drive motor cooling can cause overheating and power limitation. Stop safely if a temperature warning appears, power falls, or the vehicle indicates shutdown may occur.
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.