The control electronics inside an electric A/C compressor carry a temperature sensor on the processor board, called internal sensor A; the compressor uses it to protect itself and reports the value to the vehicle. P0D70 is the general circuit code for it: the value is missing or invalid without a defined low or high reading. No manufacturer documents P0D70 publicly. GM's Volt and ELR tables only use P0D71 (comparison with other temperatures), P0D72 (below −40 °C) and P0D73 (above 150 or 274 °C) for this sensor. A Hyundai patent on temperature sensors of power electronics lists open connectors, shorts, noise and board faults as the usual origins. As the sensor sits on the module's circuit board, a confirmed fault usually means a new compressor assembly; cooling may be reduced or stop.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.
Symptoms
- Air conditioning weak or off
- Battery cooling via refrigerant may be limited
- Warning depending on the vehicle
Most likely causes
- Temperature sensor or its circuit on the compressor board failed
- Value not transmitted correctly over the data link
- Unstable 12 V supply or ground of the compressor electronics
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
What each character of P0D70 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- D: Subsystem depends on the code range
- 70: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0D70?
It depends on the symptoms. If the car is running normally you can go to a repair shop; if it goes into limp mode, drive as little as possible.
What causes code P0D70?
The most common causes are: temperature sensor or its circuit on the compressor board failed; value not transmitted correctly over the data link; unstable 12 V supply or ground of the compressor electronics.
Related codes
- P0D71A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Performance
- P0D72A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit High
- P0D73A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
- P0D74A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
- P0D75A/C Compressor Control Module Output Driver Temperature Sensor Circuit
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.