P0D7A: A/C Compressor Motor Phase U Current Low

Electric A/C compressors run a three-phase motor whose phase currents U, V and W are measured inside the inverter. P0D7A belongs to phase U. GM's 2011–2015 Volt and 2016 ELR test the sensors while the motor is stopped and the speed request is zero, when no current should flow: a phase U reading of +68 A or more in 30 of 60 samples at 50 ms sets P0D7A, Type B with MIL after two trips, and a 12 V reset is needed before it can pass again. In other words, GM uses the code for a current-sensor offset at standstill rather than for weak current during operation. The cause lies in the inverter's current sensing; the compressor normally stops. The negative counterpart is P0D7B, other phases P0D7C and P0D7E.

Symptoms

• Check engine light after two trips
• Air conditioning does not start

Most likely causes

• Offset or failure of the phase U current sensor in the inverter
• Fault in the inverter's current measuring circuit

What to check, in order

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

1. Check the sensor pressure in live data
2. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
3. Check the relay and connector
4. Have the refrigerant charge and any leaks checked at a repair shop authorized to handle refrigerant

What each character of P0D7A means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• D: Subsystem depends on the code range
• 7A: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0D7A?

Yes, you can keep driving. The air conditioning may not work.

What causes code P0D7A?

The most common causes are: offset or failure of the phase U current sensor in the inverter; fault in the inverter's current measuring circuit.

Related codes

• P0D7BA/C Compressor Motor Phase U Current High
• P0D7CA/C Compressor Motor Phase V Current Low
• P0D7EA/C Compressor Motor Phase W Current Low
• P0D6FA/C Compressor Motor Current High

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 14OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 16OBDG01 Hybrid Diagnostics
• patents.google.com: en

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.