AutoCodes – Generic – P0C12

P0C12 Code - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature

Quick Answer

The Power Inverter Module, often referred to as the Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module, contains two motor control modules and the hybrid powertrain control module. Common causes include Faulty Drive Motor 'A' Inverter, Drive Motor 'A' Inverter harness is open or shorted, Drive Motor 'A' Inverter 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: P0C12 indicates Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Drive Motor 'A' Inverter, Drive Motor 'A' Inverter harness is open or shorted, Drive Motor 'A' Inverter 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 3,660

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
Comments
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Code P0C12 Description

The Power Inverter Module, often referred to as the Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module, contains two motor control modules and the hybrid powertrain control module. Each motor control modules operates its respective drive motor generator based upon hybrid powertrain control module commands. Each motor control modules controls the speed, direction and output torque of its respective drive motor generator through the sequencing actuation of high current switching transistors called insulated gate bipolar transistors. Each drive motor generator operates utilizing 3 phase AC. Each insulated gate bipolar transistor operates a single phase of the drive motor generator. Each phase is individually identified as U, V and W. Each motor control modules monitors the temperature of each phase in order to detect power inverter module overtemperature conditions.

OBDII Code P0C12 - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature - AutoCodes.com — P0C12 Code - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0C12?

Faulty Drive Motor 'A' Inverter
Drive Motor 'A' Inverter harness is open or shorted
Drive Motor 'A' Inverter circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0C12?

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 P0C12 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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Information for Specific Makes

P0C12 Buick — Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
P0C12 Cadillac — Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
P0C12 Chevrolet — Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
P0C12 GMC — Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Phase V Over Temperature

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.