P0D72: A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit High

P0D72 is the high-signal circuit code for the compressor module's internal temperature sensor. With the usual NTC thermistor a high signal means the reading looks extremely cold, and that is how GM defines it: every Volt and ELR table from 2011 to 2019 sets it when the reported CPU temperature is below −40 °C. Timing is 30 of 60 samples at 50 ms in the first-generation Volt, 40 of 50 at 100 ms in 2016 and 4 of 5 s in 2019, each Type B with MIL after two trips; the older tables only check with outside air above −7 °C. In the J2012 list this High code comes before the Low code P0D73. Typical cause is an open sensor path or a cracked solder joint on the compressor board, so the assembly is usually replaced.

Symptoms

• Check engine light after two trips
• Air conditioning limited or switched off

Most likely causes

• Open circuit in the internal temperature sensor path
• Cracked solder joint on the compressor electronics board
• Faulty value transmission to the host controller

What to check, in order

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

1. Check the battery and grounds
2. Check the sensor's ground and make sure the signal wire is not receiving voltage from another circuit.
3. Clear the code and see if it returns
4. If it is a reference voltage code, disconnect sensors one at a time and see if the voltage recovers
5. Check whether a software update is available
6. Do not replace the control module without a full diagnosis

What each character of P0D72 means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0D72?

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 P0D72?

The most common causes are: open circuit in the internal temperature sensor path; cracked solder joint on the compressor electronics board; faulty value transmission to the host controller.

Related codes

• P0D73A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Low
• P0D71A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Performance
• P0D70A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit
• P0D74A/C Compressor Control Module Internal Temperature Sensor A Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
• P0D77A/C Compressor Control Module Output Driver Temperature Sensor Circuit High

Sources

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