P0BE1: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit Range/Performance

P0BE1 is the plausibility check of inverter temperature sensor F, GM's phase W thermistor in the motor B inverter. After the car has stood long enough, its reading must match a reference: in the 2016 and 2018 tables a calculated average after cold soak, with more than 20 °C difference for 0.525 of 0.625 s setting Type B over two trips, Type A in a 2019 table. The 2011 Volt compares against power electronics coolant temperature (20 °C, Type A), the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks after 360 minutes off with a 15 °C limit (Type B). GM bulletin PIC6303A lists P0BE1 for 2016-18 Volt, Malibu, LaCrosse, Velite and Regal: no customer-noticeable reaction, inverter replacement only with P0AC4.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp after two drives, usually without drivability change
• Code found during inspection without customer complaint

Most likely causes

• Phase W thermistor of inverter B drifting out of tolerance
• Uneven inverter cooling or residual heat after the soak period
• Failing power inverter module (replace only with P0AC4 per GM PIC6303A)

What to check, in order

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

1. Read the codes with a hybrid-compatible scanner and write down the freeze frame data
2. Compare the reading with other engine data while varying the engine speed.
3. Make sure the battery cooling air intake is clean
4. Check the 12 V auxiliary battery, which can also trigger warnings
5. Leave any high-voltage measurements to a specialized repair shop

Good to know

• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0BE1 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• B: Subsystem depends on the code range
• E1: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0BE1?

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 P0BE1?

The most common causes are: phase W thermistor of inverter B drifting out of tolerance; uneven inverter cooling or residual heat after the soak period; failing power inverter module (replace only with P0AC4 per GM PIC6303A).

Related codes

• P0BE0Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit
• P0BE2Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit Low
• P0BE3Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit High
• P0BE4Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0BD7Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor D Circuit Range/Performance
• P0AF3Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor B Circuit Range/Performance
• P0BDCDrive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor E Circuit Range/Performance
• P0AC4Hybrid/EV Powertrain Control Module Requested MIL Illumination

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG02 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 13OBDG06 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.