Which thermistor counts as inverter temperature sensor E is set by the manufacturer. In GM's hybrid tables it is the third sensor of the motor A inverter (PIM sensor #3), assigned to phase W in the 2016 to 2019 tables. P0BDB is the general circuit code for an electrical fault that is not classed as low, high or erratic. No manufacturer documents this exact code publicly; GM uses only the siblings P0BDC, P0BDD and P0BDE. CARB requires hybrid sensor circuits to be monitored for circuit faults. Without a valid reading the controller cannot protect the phase W power switches and usually limits motor torque. The sensor is built into the inverter, so the repair is often the inverter 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
- Malfunction indicator lamp or hybrid system warning
- Reduced electric drive power
- Further inverter temperature codes stored at the same time
Most likely causes
- Internal fault of the thermistor or its circuit 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 P0BDB means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- B: Subsystem depends on the code range
- DB: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0BDB?
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 P0BDB?
The most common causes are: internal fault of the thermistor or its circuit inside the power inverter module; corroded or loose connector at the inverter module; software fault in the motor control processor.
Related codes
- P0BDCDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Range/Performance
- P0BDDDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Low
- P0BDEDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit High
- P0BDFDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0BD1Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor C Circuit
- P0AEDDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor A Circuit
- P0BE0Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit
- P0C13Drive Motor A Inverter Phase W Over Temperature
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG02 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.