P0AEF: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low

P0AEF means the signal of inverter temperature sensor A is below its valid range. GM describes it as an NTC thermistor with a pull-up on the sensing board, so a low voltage reads as an impossibly hot inverter, usually a short to ground or an internal sensor fault. GM's thresholds: above 170 °C for 2.5 of 3.5 s, Type B, in the 2016 to 2019 hybrid tables; above 159 °C, Type A, one trip, in another 2019 table; above 150 °C on eAssist; above 130 °C, Type A, on the 2011 Volt; above 125 °C, Type B, on the 2011 and 2013 two-mode trucks. Stellantis lists P0AEF-11 for the 2026 Jeep Compass PHEV outside the US among codes behind an Electric Traction System Fault and a no-start, repaired by replacing the inverter.

High severity. Can I keep driving?If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

Symptoms

Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
Electric drive power cut back strongly
Vehicle may not start (Jeep Compass PHEV)

Most likely causes

Shorted sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module
Sensor signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where present
Moisture or coolant inside the inverter housing

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
Leave any high-voltage measurements to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0AEF means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
A: Hybrid or air and fuel
EF: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0AEF?

If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.

What causes code P0AEF?

The most common causes are: shorted sensor or circuit inside the power inverter module; sensor signal shorted to ground in external wiring, where present; moisture or coolant inside the inverter housing.

Related codes

Sources

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.