P0EAF: A/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Circuit Low

P0EAF reports that the compressor current signal sits at the bottom of its measuring range. In a running compressor this cannot be true, so the module suspects the measuring chain: a grounded signal path, a sensing chip without supply or an offset error inside the power module. No manufacturer documents P0EAF publicly. GM's 2011 Volt supervises the measured current only against upper limits (27 A over 30 of 60 samples for P0D6F, 60 A on a single sample for a maker code), and Audi documents only the plausibility sibling P0EAE. Without a valid current value the controller cannot protect the inverter, so it shuts the compressor down. Air conditioning stops working while the car itself remains fully drivable. The high counterpart is P0EB0.

Symptoms

• Compressor shut down, warm air from the vents
• Climate system fault message

Most likely causes

• Current signal path shorted to ground
• Current sensor without supply voltage
• Offset error of the measurement in the power module

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 P0EAF means

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0EAF?

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

What causes code P0EAF?

The most common causes are: current signal path shorted to ground; current sensor without supply voltage; offset error of the measurement in the power module.

Related codes

• P0EB0A/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Circuit High
• P0EADA/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Circuit
• P0EAEA/C Compressor Motor Current Sensor Range/Performance
• P0D6FA/C Compressor Motor Current High

Sources

• gsi.ext.gm.com: 11OBDG01 HYBRID Diagnostics
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• static.nhtsa.gov: MC 10127742 9999

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.