P2DB3

Code

Generic P — Powertrain

Drive Motor A Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low

Brand: Generic

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 21 EN: 39 RU: 22

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open circuit in sensor C signal or ground
Short to ground in sensor C signal wire
Corroded or loose connector at sensor or motor controller
Failed temperature sensor (thermistor/NTC or other type)
Damage to wiring harness (abrasion, water intrusion)
Faulty motor controller/ECU input or internal short

Symptoms

Drive system fault lamp or warning message
Reduced propulsion or limp/derate mode
Drive motor disabled or faulted when attempting to drive
Possible restriction of available torque/power
Stored freeze frame or logging of low sensor voltage/value

What to check

Read and record freeze frame and live data PIDs for motor A temperature sensor C
Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, pin push-out, or water
Check for related DTCs (other motor temperature sensors, CAN, HV system faults)
Measure sensor output voltage at connector with ignition/drive system in required state (refer to service manual)
Measure sensor resistance at ambient temperature (with HV system isolated and vehicle safe)
Perform continuity check from sensor connector to motor controller pin and check for shorts to chassis ground and battery rails

Signal parameters

Typical sensor interface: 0–5 V analog signal to motor controller (exact range depends on manufacturer)
Expected behavior: voltage increases or decreases with temperature depending on sensor type (NTC thermistor usually shows decreasing resistance with increasing temp)
Common inactive/low-fault threshold: near 0–0.5 V or open-circuit resistance (depends on controller)
Typical thermistor resistance at 25°C often in the 1–100 kΩ range (manufacturer-specific)
Controller reports temperature PID for Motor A Sensor C; compare to other motor temperature sensors for plausibility

Diagnostic algorithm

Review stored freeze frame data, freeze PID values and any related DTCs before performing tests
Ensure proper safety procedures for high-voltage systems; disable HV and remove service plug where applicable
Visually inspect the sensor and harness at the motor for physical damage, corrosion, or contaminated connectors
Reconnect vehicle, power system (if required for sensor reading) and backprobe the sensor signal and ground at the connector; record voltage with sensor at ambient temperature
If voltage is below expected range, isolate sensor by disconnecting at the motor controller and measure open-circuit voltage provided by controller (if the controller provides a pull-up)
Measure sensor resistance at the sensor body (with circuit isolated): compare to expected resistance chart in service data; unusually high resistance or open indicates failed sensor
Perform continuity test from the sensor connector to the motor controller pin; check for short to chassis ground and to battery rails
If wiring and sensor check OK, swap in a known-good sensor (if available) or replace sensor and retest
If fault remains after sensor/wiring replacement, suspect motor controller input circuit; inspect for internal faults and consult manufacturer service documentation for controller replacement or repair
Clear DTC and perform a road/drive cycle or commanded test to confirm the fault does not return

Likely causes

Broken/abraded signal wire to temperature sensor C
Water-corroded connector at the motor sensor pigtail
Failed temperature sensor element (NTC open or out-of-spec)
Short to ground in sensor harness near motor
Motor controller input circuit fault

Fault status

⚠️ Status

Drive Motor A Temperature Sensor C Circuit Low — sensor signal is below expected range or shorted to ground; causes monitoring of motor temperature to be unreliable.

🔴 Repair difficulty: Hard

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours