AutoCodes – Generic – P0C03

P0C03 Code - Drive Motor 'B' Current Low

Quick Answer

When three-phase alternating current flows through the three-phase windings of the stator coil, a rotating magnetic field is generated in MG2. Common causes include Faulty Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly, Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly harness is open or shorted, Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0C03 indicates Drive Motor 'B' Current Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly, Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly harness is open or shorted, Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 3,099

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 11, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0C03 Description

When three-phase alternating current flows through the three-phase windings of the stator coil, a rotating magnetic field is generated in MG2. The system controls the rotation of the magnetic field in accordance with the rotating position and speed of the rotor. As a result, the permanent magnets provided in the rotor are pulled in the direction of rotation, generating torque. The generated torque is almost proportional to the amount of current. The system controls MG2 speed by regulating the frequency of the alternating current. Furthermore, the system properly controls the rotating magnetic field and the angle of the rotor magnets in order to generate high torque in an efficient manner, even at high speeds.

OBDII Code P0C03 - Drive Motor 'B' Current Low - AutoCodes.com — P0C03 Code - Drive Motor 'B' Current Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0C03?

Faulty Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly
Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly harness is open or shorted
Hybrid Vehicle Motor Assembly circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0C03?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0C03 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0C03 Code

What does the OBDII code P0C03 mean?

The P0C03 code indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low current condition in drive motor 'B,' typically found in hybrid or electric vehicles.

What are the common symptoms of the P0C03 code?

Symptoms may include reduced vehicle performance, illumination of the check engine light or hybrid system warning light, and decreased efficiency in the electric drive system.

What causes the P0C03 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty drive motor 'B,' wiring or connector issues in the drive motor circuit, a malfunctioning inverter, or a failed powertrain control module (PCM).

Can I still drive my vehicle with a P0C03 code?

Driving with a P0C03 code is not recommended as it may lead to reduced performance, potential damage to the hybrid or electric system, or further complications.

How is the P0C03 code diagnosed?

A technician will use a scan tool to retrieve the code, inspect the wiring and connectors, test the drive motor and inverter, and perform electrical diagnostics to pinpoint the issue.

What repairs can fix the P0C03 code?

Repairs may include replacing damaged wiring or connectors, repairing or replacing the drive motor 'B,' fixing or replacing a malfunctioning inverter, or reprogramming or replacing the PCM if necessary.

How much does it cost to fix the P0C03 code?

Repair costs can vary widely depending on the specific issue but may range from $150 for wiring repairs to over $2,000 for drive motor or inverter replacement.

Can a low battery cause the P0C03 code?

A low or failing hybrid battery may contribute to this code, but the issue is typically related to the current in the drive motor 'B' circuit rather than the battery itself.

Is the P0C03 code specific to certain vehicles?

The P0C03 code is most commonly found in hybrid and electric vehicles equipped with multiple drive motors but can apply to various makes and models.

Will clearing the code fix the problem?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying issue will not fix the problem, and the code is likely to return once the fault is detected again.