Which thermistor is called sensor C depends on the maker. In GM's hybrid tables it is the second sensor of the motor A inverter: the phase V sensor in the 2016 to 2019 tables, labelled temperature sensor 2 in the Volt and ELR. P0BD1 is its general circuit code for an electrical fault that is not classified as low, high or erratic. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM reports only the specific siblings P0BD2, P0BD3 and P0BD4. CARB requires hybrid sensor circuits to be monitored. Without a valid value the controller cannot protect that phase and normally limits motor torque. The sensor sits inside the inverter, so repairs often mean replacing the assembly.
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
- Hybrid system warning or check engine lamp
- Reduced electric drive power
- Possible loss of electric drive
Most likely causes
- Internal fault of the sensor inside the power inverter module
- Corroded or loose connector at the inverter module
- Software fault in the motor control processor
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0BD1 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- B: Subsystem depends on the code range
- D1: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0BD1?
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 P0BD1?
The most common causes are: internal fault of the sensor inside the power inverter module; corroded or loose connector at the inverter module; software fault in the motor control processor.
Related codes
- P0BD2Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance
- P0BD3Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low
- P0BD4Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit High
- P0BD5Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0AEDDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit
- P0BD6Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit
- P0C12Drive Motor A Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
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.