Damaged or chafed wiring in the position sensor signal circuit, causing a short to a higher voltage source; Poor electrical connection at the sensor or controller connector, including corrosion or loose pins; Faulty position sensor internal failure, such as a shorted sensing element; Open or high-resistance ground circuit for the sensor, which can cause the signal voltage to float high; Failed motor control module or inverter, though this is less common and usually accompanied by other codes; Electromagnetic interference or signal cross-talk from nearby high-voltage cables, often due to improper shielding or routing

DTC codes / P0Cxx · Hybrid propulsion / P0C58

P0C58Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit A Circuit High

Q: What does code P0C58 mean?

Drive Motor B Position Sensor Circuit A Circuit High. P0C58 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the signal circuit for the 'A' position sensor of drive motor B, which is the electric motor responsible for propulsion or regeneration in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The sensor normally outputs a voltage within a specific range as the motor's rotor position changes, and a high voltage reading means the circuit is above the expected threshold, often due to a short to voltage or an open ground reference.

P0C58 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormally high voltage on the signal circuit for the 'A' position sensor of drive motor B, which is the electric motor responsible for propulsion or regeneration in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The sensor normally outputs a voltage within a specific range as the motor's rotor position changes, and a high voltage reading means the circuit is above the expected threshold, often due to a short to voltage or an open ground reference.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or service vehicle soon message, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced power or limp mode, as the controller may limit motor operation to protect the system
Hesitation or shudder during acceleration or regenerative braking if the position signal is erratic
Failure to start or engage drive, especially in hybrid vehicles where motor position is critical for synchronization
In some cases, the vehicle may stall or shut down unexpectedly while driving

Common causes, most likely first

Damaged or chafed wiring in the position sensor signal circuit, causing a short to a higher voltage source
Poor electrical connection at the sensor or controller connector, including corrosion or loose pins
Faulty position sensor internal failure, such as a shorted sensing element
Open or high-resistance ground circuit for the sensor, which can cause the signal voltage to float high
Failed motor control module or inverter, though this is less common and usually accompanied by other codes
Electromagnetic interference or signal cross-talk from nearby high-voltage cables, often due to improper shielding or routing

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related codes in the motor control system to confirm the fault is isolated to the position sensor circuit
Inspect the sensor and controller connectors for corrosion, loose terminals, or pushed-out pins, and repair as needed
Perform a visual inspection of the wiring harness for the position sensor, looking for chafing, pinches, or damage from heat or rodents
Measure the sensor signal voltage with a digital multimeter while slowly rotating the motor by hand (if accessible) to see if the voltage changes smoothly within specification
Check the sensor ground circuit for continuity to the controller ground and repair any open or high-resistance connections
If the wiring and connectors are good, substitute a known-good sensor and clear the code to see if it returns
If the code persists after sensor replacement, diagnose the motor control module and its internal circuits, which may require dealer-level equipment

Hidden Causes of P0C58 You Should Not Ignore

A common oversight is assuming the sensor itself is at fault when the real problem is a poor ground connection at the motor housing, which raises the signal voltage reference and sets the code.
The code can be triggered intermittently by water intrusion into the sensor connector, especially after driving through deep puddles or in high-humidity environments, so check for signs of moisture.
On some vehicles, a weak or failing 12-volt auxiliary battery can cause voltage spikes that affect sensor readings, so always verify battery health and charging system operation before condemning the sensor.
The position sensor circuit often shares a reference voltage with other sensors; a short in a different sensor on the same circuit can pull the voltage high and set P0C58, so look for additional codes that might point to a shared circuit fault.
Replacing the motor control module without first checking the sensor signal with an oscilloscope can lead to unnecessary expense, as the module is rarely the root cause of a high-voltage signal code.

Can I keep driving with P0C58?

Driving with P0C58 is not recommended because the fault can cause the motor to lose synchronization, leading to sudden power loss or stalling, which is dangerous in traffic. If you must move the vehicle, limit driving to a short distance at low speed directly to a repair facility, and avoid highways or heavy traffic.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.