P0BD2: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit Range/Performance

P0BD2 checks whether inverter temperature sensor C, GM's second sensor in the motor A inverter, agrees with the other temperatures after a cold soak. More than 20 °C apart sets it: Type B, two trips, on the 2016 Volt; Type A in a 2019 table; Type A on the 2011 Volt and 2016 ELR, compared with coolant and transmission temperature after 6 h off. GM's 2012 and 2013 tables use 15 °C after 360 min. GM bulletin PIC6303A says that on 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse and Regal the code alone needs no repair; the inverter is replaced only with P0AC4. GM fixes it by software on the 2017 Bolt EV and Ampera-e. Porsche replaces a coolant hose with a sticking thermostat on the Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

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, often without drivability change
Propulsion power reduced message (Bolt EV)
Red hybrid warning in the cluster (Porsche)

Most likely causes

Inverter module software (GM bulletin 18-NA-064, Bolt EV/Ampera-e)
Sticking thermostat in the power electronics coolant hose (Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid)
Inverter temperature sensor C drifting out of tolerance
Failing power inverter module

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
Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
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 P0BD2 means

P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
0: Generic code: same on every make
B: Subsystem depends on the code range
D2: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0BD2?

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 P0BD2?

The most common causes are: inverter module software (GM bulletin 18-NA-064, Bolt EV/Ampera-e); sticking thermostat in the power electronics coolant hose (Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid); inverter temperature sensor C drifting out of tolerance.

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.