OBD-II fault code

P0EF5: Drive Motor C Temperature Sensor Circuit High

What it means

The drive motor C temperature sensor circuit signal is above the expected threshold. The code does not by itself identify the cause.

At a glance

  • Usually lights the check-engine light
  • The engine or gearbox may go into limp mode

How it works

The Drive Motor C temperature sensor circuit supplies the motor controls with a temperature signal. This code sets when that signal is higher than the expected threshold, which can happen with an open sensor circuit or a short to battery voltage; it does not identify the failed part by itself.

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. Review freeze-frame and live data for Drive Motor C temperature and check whether the reading is implausibly high or fixed at a limit.
  2. With the high-voltage system safely disabled, inspect the sensor connector and harness for disconnected terminals, broken wires, or insulation damage.
  3. Use the manufacturer's wiring diagram to test for an open circuit and for a signal wire short to battery voltage.
  4. Test the Drive Motor C temperature sensor and connector terminals against the manufacturer's specifications.
  5. If the sensor and harness pass, check the control-module input for a fault.

Common fixes

  • Reconnect a loose sensor connector or repair an open wire.
  • Repair a signal wire shorted to battery voltage.
  • Replace corroded or damaged connector terminals.
  • Replace the Drive Motor C temperature sensor if it fails testing.

Can I keep driving?

Avoid hard acceleration and stop if a temperature warning or significant power reduction appears. A falsely high reading can trigger protective limits, while the fault may also prevent reliable monitoring of the motor's real temperature.

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

Nearby codes