P0BEC: Drive Motor A Phase V Current Sensor Circuit High

P0BEC is set when the phase V current sensor of the motor A inverter reports a value above its valid range. In GM's tables the limit is above 700 A for 0.05 of 0.1 s (2016) or 0.1 of 0.15 s (2019), Type A; above 800 A, Type A, on the 2011 Volt with PWM output disabled; and above 700 A, Type B, two trips, on the 2012 two-mode trucks. Because the check runs while the power stage is not switching or the value is far beyond any real current, it isolates a sensor or supply fault rather than an actual overcurrent. It pairs with P0BEB for the low side and P0BEA for offset. Expect reduced drive from motor A and further inverter codes in the memory.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
• Reduced power from drive motor A

Most likely causes

• Failed phase V current sensor inside the inverter
• Sensor signal shorted to the sensor supply voltage or open reference ground
• Poor contact at an internal or external inverter connector

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. Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
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 can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0BEC means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0BEC?

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 P0BEC?

The most common causes are: failed phase V current sensor inside the inverter; sensor signal shorted to the sensor supply voltage or open reference ground; poor contact at an internal or external inverter connector.

Related codes

• P0BEBDrive Motor A Phase V Current Sensor Circuit Low
• P0BE9Drive Motor A Phase V Current Sensor Circuit
• P0BEADrive Motor A Phase V Current Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
• P0BE8Drive Motor A Phase U Current Sensor Circuit High
• P0BF0Drive Motor A Phase W Current Sensor Circuit High
• P0BFDDrive Motor A Phase U-V-W Current Sensor Correlation
• P0BF8Drive Motor B Phase V Current Sensor Circuit High

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 19OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG02 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 12OBDG06 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.