Sensor D is, in GM's hybrid tables, the second thermistor of the motor B inverter, the counterpart of sensor C in the motor A inverter: phase V in the 2016 to 2019 tables, temperature sensor 2 of inverter B on the Volt. Other makers assign the letter differently. P0BD6 is its general circuit code for an electrical fault that the controller does not narrow down to low, high or erratic. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM reports P0BD7, P0BD8 and P0BD9 instead. CARB requires monitoring of hybrid sensor circuits. Without a valid value the controller cannot protect that inverter and usually limits the motor it drives. Read all stored codes, since several inverter codes often appear together.
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 or generator power
- Higher fuel consumption in hybrid operation
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 P0BD6 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- B: Subsystem depends on the code range
- D6: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0BD6?
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 P0BD6?
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
- P0BD7Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Range/Performance
- P0BD8Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Low
- P0BD9Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit High
- P0BDADrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0AF2Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit
- P0BD1Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit
- P0C15Drive Motor B Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 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.