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Powertrain Source reviewed Lights the check engine lamp

P0BE3: Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor F Circuit High

Standardized SAE J2012 code · P0Bxx — Hybrid and electric propulsion

Safety-critical system. Faults in airbags, brakes, steering or high-voltage components can put people at risk. Follow the manufacturer's service information and safety procedures, or have the vehicle checked by a qualified workshop.

What does P0BE3 mean?

P0BE3 is the high-signal fault of inverter temperature sensor F, GM's phase W thermistor in the motor B inverter. With an NTC element and pull-up, an open circuit or a sensor that has lost ground drives the voltage up, which the controller reads as an implausibly cold inverter. GM only judges this after the inverter has worked for at least 90 s at 20 Nm or more: below -50 °C for 2.625 of 3.65 s sets Type B, two trips (2016 and 2018 tables), or Type A for 6.25 of 8.75 s (2019). The 2011 Volt uses below -58 °C (Type A), the 2012 and 2013 two-mode trucks below -40 °C (Type B). Expect limited output from motor B until the circuit is repaired.

The code tells you which monitor failed, not which part is broken. Test before replacing parts.

Symptoms

  • Malfunction indicator lamp and hybrid warning
  • Reduced power from drive motor B once warmed up

Common causes

  • High Open thermistor or broken connection inside the power inverter module
  • Medium Loose or corroded connector at the inverter
  • Low Lost sensor reference ground on the sensing board

Likelihood is a general estimate across vehicles; your make and model may differ.

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