AutoCodes – Generic – P1C20

P1C20 Code - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Drive Motor 'A' Inverter. 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: P1C20 indicates Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low.
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 2,579

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 Mar 15, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1C20 Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the Drive Motor 'A' Inverter. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the Drive Motor 'A' Inverter is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P1C20 - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low - AutoCodes.com — P1C20 Code - Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1C20?

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 P1C20?

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 P1C20 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.

Need more information about the P1C20 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1C20 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1C20 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1C20 Subaru — Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low

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 P1C20 Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- Common symptoms include reduced vehicle power, poor acceleration, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- Potential causes include a faulty inverter, issues with the drive motor, damaged wiring or connectors, or problems with the hybrid battery.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves using a scan tool to check for related codes, inspecting the inverter and drive motor components, and testing the wiring and connectors for continuity.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low damage my vehicle further?

- Continuing to drive with this code present can potentially cause further damage to the hybrid system components and may lead to more severe issues over time.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- Repair tips may include checking and repairing any damaged wiring, replacing a faulty inverter or drive motor, ensuring connectors are securely connected, and clearing the code to see if it returns.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my vehicle with OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- It is not recommended to continue driving the vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to performance issues and potential damage to other components.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low?

- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the specific cause, but it may involve labor costs for diagnosis and repair, as well as the cost of any necessary parts.

8. Can I reset OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low on my own?

- While you can attempt to clear the code using an OBDII scan tool, it is important to diagnose and address the underlying issue causing the code to prevent it from returning.

9. Are there any preventative measures to avoid OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low in the future?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking the hybrid system components, drive motor, and inverter, can help prevent issues that may trigger this code.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P1C20 Drive Motor 'A' Inverter Voltage Too Low at home?

- While some enthusiasts may have the skills and tools to diagnose and repair this code at home, it is recommended to consult a professional technician for accurate diagnosis and proper repair to avoid further complications.