Faulty inverter temperature sensor G, either an open circuit or a shorted element; Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the sensor circuit between the sensor and the control module; Loose or contaminated connector pins at the sensor or at the inverter housing pass-through; Internal fault in the drive motor inverter assembly affecting the sensor signal or its reference voltage; Coolant flow restriction or air pockets causing the inverter to run hotter than normal and pushing the sensor signal out of range; A failing control module that misinterprets a valid sensor signal, though this is less common

DTC codes / P0Exx · Hybrid propulsion / P0E23

P0E23Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor G Circuit

Q: What does code P0E23 mean?

Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor G Circuit. P0E23 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormal signal on the temperature sensor circuit for phase G of the drive motor inverter, which is the electronic assembly that converts direct current battery power into alternating current for the traction motor. The computer monitors the sensor's voltage return and flags this code when the reading falls outside the expected range for the current operating conditions, pointing to a fault in the sensor, its wiring, or the inverter assembly itself.

P0E23 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected an abnormal signal on the temperature sensor circuit for phase G of the drive motor inverter, which is the electronic assembly that converts direct current battery power into alternating current for the traction motor. The computer monitors the sensor's voltage return and flags this code when the reading falls outside the expected range for the current operating conditions, pointing to a fault in the sensor, its wiring, or the inverter assembly itself.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or a dedicated hybrid/EV system warning lamp
Reduced power output or a limp-home mode that limits vehicle speed
The vehicle may refuse to start or shift into drive if the inverter temperature is deemed unsafe
Inconsistent or erratic temperature readings on a scan tool data stream for the inverter
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty inverter temperature sensor G, either an open circuit or a shorted element
Damaged, chafed, or corroded wiring in the sensor circuit between the sensor and the control module
Loose or contaminated connector pins at the sensor or at the inverter housing pass-through
Internal fault in the drive motor inverter assembly affecting the sensor signal or its reference voltage
Coolant flow restriction or air pockets causing the inverter to run hotter than normal and pushing the sensor signal out of range
A failing control module that misinterprets a valid sensor signal, though this is less common

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and record the freeze-frame data and live inverter temperature readings to confirm the fault is active and not a stored history code
Visually inspect the sensor connector and the harness routing for chafing, corrosion, or loose pins, and perform a wiggle test while watching the temperature value
Measure the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and compare it to the manufacturer's temperature-resistance chart to verify the sensor itself
Check the reference voltage and ground at the sensor connector with the key on to rule out a wiring or control module supply issue
Perform a voltage drop test on the signal circuit between the sensor and the control module to find hidden resistance in the harness
If the sensor is integral to the inverter, follow the service procedure to replace the sensor or the affected inverter component as required
After repair, clear the codes and run the vehicle through a complete drive cycle to confirm the temperature reading tracks correctly and the code does not return

Inverter sensor faults that fool technicians

A low coolant level or trapped air in the inverter cooling loop can cause temperature spikes that set this code without any electrical fault, so always check coolant condition and bleed the system before condemning the sensor.
The sensor is often part of a harness inside the inverter housing, and a poor crimp or a pin that has backed out of the connector can mimic a failed sensor, so a thorough pin-drag test is essential.
This code can be set by a momentary glitch during a low-voltage event, such as a weak 12-volt battery, so check battery health and charging system operation before replacing expensive inverter parts.
On some vehicles, the inverter temperature sensor shares a reference voltage with other sensors, and a short in a different sensor can pull the whole reference circuit down and set P0E23 along with other codes.
A scan tool that only reads generic OBD-II data may not display the inverter temperature live, so a manufacturer-level scan tool or a capable aftermarket unit is often needed to see the actual sensor value.

Can I keep driving with P0E23?

Because this fault can cause the inverter to overheat or the vehicle to enter a reduced-power mode without warning, you should avoid driving until the cause is diagnosed. If the warning light is on and the vehicle still drives normally, limit your trip to a short distance to a repair shop and avoid heavy acceleration or sustained high speeds.

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.