P0A40 The control module sees the position sensor for drive motor A reading out of range or not matching the motor

Drive motor A position sensor circuit range/performance

P0A40 in short

P0A40 means the control module sees the position sensor on drive motor A out of range or not matching the motor. Chrysler lists it on Pacifica hybrids with a software update, and owners link it on a Bolt EV to a harness and on a Sonata Hybrid to a corroded connector. Owners report lost power, so stop if that happens.

An electric drive motor needs to know the exact angle of its rotor to time the current, so it has a position sensor, often a resolver. P0A40 sets when the signal from the position sensor of drive motor A is out of range or does not make sense compared with what the motor is doing.

Chrysler bulletins 08-114-22 and 08-115-22 list P0A40-00, "Drive Motor A Position Sensor 1 Circuit Range-Performance", on 2019-2020 Pacifica and fix it by reprogramming the hybrid control processors. We read only the bulletin summaries.

Owner complaints show a Bolt EV where the dealer wrote "drive motor position sensor erratic" and found a GM harness bulletin, a Sonata Hybrid with a corroded sensor harness connector, and a Jaguar I-Pace with the code returning on a car that arrived dead. We did not read the GM bulletin.

The drive motor and its wiring are part of the high-voltage system. Orange cables and connectors are not for owners to touch. Diagnosis belongs with a dealer or a trained technician.

Most likely causes

  1. Hybrid control processor software (Chrysler Pacifica)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Chrysler bulletins 08-114-22 and 08-115-22 list P0A40-00 among codes fixed by reprogramming the hybrid control processors on 2019-2020 Pacifica.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Pacifica with a MIL. Falls if the software is already current.

  2. Position sensor or motor harness fault (Bolt EV, Sonata Hybrid)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    A Bolt EV dealer wrote "drive motor position sensor erratic" and cited a GM harness bulletin; a Sonata Hybrid dealer found a corroded sensor connector. Both are owner-reported dealer findings.
    What would change this
    Rises on those models with a speed-limited or no-restart car. Falls if the harness tests normal.
    How to test the hybrid drive motor

  3. Drive motor or its position sensor failing

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The code returned on a 2020 I-Pace that arrived dead before any work, and no bulletin in our sources covers it, so the motor or sensor itself needs testing.
    What would change this
    Rises if no bulletin applies and the harness is good. Falls if a bulletin repair clears the code.
    How to test the hybrid drive motor

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool and note every dashboard message. Do not open or unplug anything.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP0A40 is stored with a drive unit warning and limited speed

      It meansThe car should be checked soon.

      Go to step 2

    • IfIt is stored on a Pacifica Hybrid or a Bolt EV

      It meansA maker bulletin may apply.

      Go to step 2

    • IfIt is any other vehicle

      It meansThe maker diagnosis decides.

      Go to step 3

  2. Give the VIN to a dealer and ask for open bulletins and recalls for the drive motor, its harness and the hybrid control software.

    Low riskTool: VIN lookup at a dealer

  3. Have a dealer or EV trained technician test the position sensor signal, its connector and the motor using the maker service information.

    Best left to a shopTool: factory scan tool and high-voltage safety equipment

    Warning:High voltage: the battery pack, junction box, inverter and orange cables carry hundreds of volts that can kill. Do not unplug, probe or touch them. This work needs a hybrid or EV trained technician who makes the system safe first.

Symptoms

  • Drive unit or hybrid warning light
  • Speed limited to a crawl Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Loss of power or no restart Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Check engine light

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • Drive motor position sensor harness (maker specific):Check the maker bulletins for your VIN before paying. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chrysler

  • 08-114-22Status unverified

    HCP and AHCP updates

    2019pacifica · issued · NHTSA 10214640

    Reprogram the hybrid control processors for MIL with P0A40-00 and other codes.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 08-115-22Status unverified

    HCP and AHCP updates

    2020pacifica · issued · NHTSA 10214641

    Same update for the 2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2023 · Bolt EV

    Possible — needs testing

    Owner reports P0A40 with a speed-limited car; dealer cited a GM harness bulletin that we did not read.

Hyundai

Jaguar

No curated relationships for P0A40 yet.

All Hybrid and electric drive codes

P0A40 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0A40?

Only to get it checked, and only if it drives normally. If speed is limited, power drops or the car will not restart, stop somewhere safe and arrange a tow.

Sources and review

  1. 08-114-22: HCP and AHCP updates (Pacifica) — FCA US ,
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11549415: 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  3. P0A40 Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance — Troublecodes.net
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11762585: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 11742595: 2020 Jaguar I-Pace — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
Technician review pending

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