P0CBE: Drive Motor A Coolant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low

P0CBE says the coolant temperature input of drive motor A is below its valid range, meaning the sensor resistance has become very small. GM's 2013 eAssist table 13OBDG05C sets the code when the raw reading is under 100.9 Ω, which equals 120 °C, in 50 of 62 samples taken every 100 ms with the vehicle in run/crank; it is a Type B fault, so the lamp comes on after the second trip. Such a low value is usually a shorted sensor or a signal line rubbing through to ground. GM's preliminary information PIC5720A for 2012–2013 LaCrosse and Regal, 2013 Malibu Eco and 2014 Impala Eco with eAssist describes exactly that: a misrouted harness touching the crank, A/C compressor pulley or belt, together with C027B and C0040 and a humming noise. Its partner for an open circuit is P0CBF.

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

Check-engine lamp, possibly with ABS or brake assist warning
Hum or buzz from the right front
Electric assist restricted

Most likely causes

Harness rubbing on crank or compressor pulley or belt (GM PIC5720A)
Coolant temperature sensor shorted internally
Loop genuinely very hot, e.g. pump or coolant fault

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
With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
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

Repair difficulty: medium
It can trigger limp mode.
It affects emissions.

What each character of P0CBE means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0CBE?

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 P0CBE?

The most common causes are: harness rubbing on crank or compressor pulley or belt (GM PIC5720A); coolant temperature sensor shorted internally; loop genuinely very hot, e.g. pump or coolant fault.

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.