Faulty voltage sensor B inside the drive motor B inverter; Damaged or chafed wiring in the sensor B circuit, including shorts to power or ground; Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the inverter or sensor; Internal inverter fault causing incorrect sensor readings; High-voltage cable or connector issues affecting the sensor reference voltage; Software or calibration error in the inverter control module (less common)

DTC codes / P0Exx · Hybrid propulsion / P0E97

P0E97Drive Motor B Inverter Voltage Sensor B Circuit High

Q: What does code P0E97 mean?

Drive Motor B Inverter Voltage Sensor B Circuit High. P0E97 indicates that the inverter for drive motor B has detected an abnormally high voltage on its dedicated sensor B circuit, which typically monitors a specific phase or internal bus voltage. The computer sets this code when the signal from that sensor exceeds the expected range for the operating conditions, often indicating a wiring fault, sensor failure, or internal inverter problem.

P0E97 indicates that the inverter for drive motor B has detected an abnormally high voltage on its dedicated sensor B circuit, which typically monitors a specific phase or internal bus voltage. The computer sets this code when the signal from that sensor exceeds the expected range for the operating conditions, often indicating a wiring fault, sensor failure, or internal inverter problem.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityHigh

Fix difficultyProfessional

AreaHybrid propulsion

Symptoms you may notice

Illumination of the check engine light or hybrid system warning lamp
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the fault is intermittent
Reduced power or limp mode as the inverter limits motor output to protect components
Possible stalling or failure to start if the hybrid system disables the motor
In rare cases, a burning smell or visible damage to inverter wiring or connectors

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty voltage sensor B inside the drive motor B inverter
Damaged or chafed wiring in the sensor B circuit, including shorts to power or ground
Corroded or loose electrical connectors at the inverter or sensor
Internal inverter fault causing incorrect sensor readings
High-voltage cable or connector issues affecting the sensor reference voltage
Software or calibration error in the inverter control module (less common)

How to diagnose and fix it

Perform a visual inspection of the inverter wiring and connectors for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
Use a scan tool to check for related codes and freeze-frame data to confirm the fault conditions
Measure resistance and voltage on the sensor B circuit according to the manufacturer's service information
Check the sensor reference voltage and ground circuits for opens or shorts
If wiring and connectors are good, test or replace the voltage sensor B
If the sensor is integrated, replace the inverter assembly as required
Clear codes and perform a road test to verify the repair

Before you replace the inverter assembly

A loose or corroded connector on the inverter can mimic a failed sensor, so always inspect and clean terminals before condemning expensive components.
The code can be set by a momentary voltage spike during cranking or a weak 12-volt battery, so check battery health and charging system first.
Some vehicles require a software update to correct false sensor readings, so check for technical service bulletins before replacing hardware.
The sensor B circuit may share a reference voltage with other sensors; a fault elsewhere can pull down the reference and set this code.
Inverter failures often produce additional codes for motor performance or high-voltage isolation, so a lone P0E97 is more likely a wiring or sensor issue.

Can I keep driving with P0E97?

Do not continue driving with this code active, as the hybrid system may disable the motor unexpectedly, leading to a loss of power. Have the vehicle towed to a qualified technician for diagnosis to avoid potential safety risks and further damage.

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.