GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0C11: Drive Motor 1 Inverter Phase U Overtemperature

DTC P0C12: Drive Motor 1 Inverter Phase V Overtemperature

DTC P0C13: Drive Motor 1 Inverter Phase W Overtemperature

DTC P0C14: Drive Motor 2 Inverter Phase U Overtemperature

DTC P0C15: Drive Motor 2 Inverter Phase V Overtemperature

DTC P0C16: Drive Motor 2 Inverter Phase W Overtemperature

Circuit/System Description

The drive motor generator power inverter control module (PIM) contains two motor control modules (MCMs) and the hybrid powertrain control module (HPCM). Each MCM operates its respective drive motor generator based upon HPCM commands. Each MCM 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 (IGBTs). Each drive motor generator operates utilizing 3 phase alternating current (ac) electricity. Each IGBT operates a single phase of the drive motor generator. Each phase is individually identified as U, V and W. Each MCM monitors the temperature of each phase in order to detect PIM overtemperature conditions.

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0C11-P0C16

The Hybrid Wakeup circuit is active

P0C11

P0AEE, P0AEF, and P0AF0 are not set.

P0C12

P0BD2, P0BD3, and P0BD4 are not set.

P0C13

P0BDC, P0BDD and P0BDE are not set.

P0C14

P0AF3, P0AF4, and P0AF5 are not set.

P0C15

P0BD7, P0BD8, and P0BD9 are not set.

P0C16

P0BE1, P0BE2, and P0BE3 are not set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The phase temperature has exceeded 91°C (196°F) and has not fallen below 85°C (185°F).
    • The above condition is present for 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTCs P0C11, P0C12, P0C13, P0C14, P0C15 and P0C16 are Type B DTCs.
    • The PIM commands the battery energy control module (BECM) to open the high voltage contactor relays.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0C11, P0C12, P0C13, P0C14, P0C15 and P0C16 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Description and Operation

    •  Drive Motor Generator Control Module Description and Operation
    •  Drive Motor Generator Control Module Cooling System Description and Operation

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Review the Failure Records when the DTC set.
  2. If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) was above 125°C (257°F) when the DTC set, go to Symptoms - Engine Cooling and correct that concern first.
  3. Operate the vehicle while monitoring the MCM phase circuit temperature with the scan tool.
  4. If the phase temperature is greater than 91°C (196°F) proceed with Circuit/System Testing.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Inspect for proper coolant level in the hybrid cooling system reservoir.
  2. If coolant level is low refer to Generator Control Module Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  3. Inspect the hybrid cooling system radiator for debris or obstruction.
  4. If a concern is found, repair or replace the restricted or damaged components as necessary.
  5. Inspect for proper operation of all hybrid system coolant pumps. Refer to Hybrid Cooling System Overheating.
  6. If a concern is found, repair or replace the coolant pumps as necessary.
  7. Command the cooling fans through all operating speeds.
  8. If the cooling fans do not operate in all speeds, refer to Cooling Fan Inoperative.
  9. If the above inspections do not identify a concern, disassemble the drive motor generator control module assembly and inspect the drive motor generator power inverter module (PIM) cooling surface for excessive corrosion or contamination restriction. Refer to Drive Motor Generator Power Inverter Module Removal and Installation.
  10. If a concern is found, clean the PIM cooling surface or replace the PIM as necessary.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Control Module References for PIM replacement, setup, and programming.