P0AEE: How to Diagnose & Fix — Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
2 vehicles · 2 makes
How to diagnose and fix P0AEE: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Chevrolet Bolt EV · 2017–2023
One of the defining Bolt EV faults: the dash throws "Propulsion Power Is Reduced", the turtle icon lights, and the car derates to a crawl - sometimes at freeway speed with no warning. GM issued a customer satisfaction bulletin in April 2018 for what it calls a battery low voltage cell condition on early Bolt EVs, where one or more cells sags below threshold and the BECM cuts power. GM stated the condition also gives the driver inaccurate state-of-charge information, so the car reports more usable energy than it actually has before it derates. GM used OnStar telematics to monitor affected cars for low cell voltage and reduced-propulsion events. There are two distinct populations: a genuine weak-cell or weak-module condition (the 2017-2019 LG-cell cars, most likely to end in module replacement), and an over-sensitive BMS calibration that throws a false alert, for which GM released updated software. Forum reports pair the message with codes P0AEE, P9BD2 and P0BDC. On 2020-2023 cars the same message more often traces to the advanced diagnostic software flagging a specific module by design.
Common Symptoms
- "Propulsion Power Is Reduced" message on the driver information centre
- Turtle icon illuminated and speed limited
- Sudden loss of acceleration at highway speed
- State of charge reading higher than actual remaining energy
- Car will not charge after the fault sets
- Fault does not clear on its own after a power cycle
How to Fix
Do not keep driving it - a derate at speed is a genuine hazard. Have the dealer pull the BECM/HPCM2 codes; P0AEE, P9BD2 and P0BDC on this platform point at high-voltage battery cell and pack voltage faults, and the diagnosis is a cell-voltage balance read of the pack. If the older over-sensitive calibration is present, the fix is a free BECM/HPCM2 software update. If a genuine weak cell or module is found, the module - or on recall-eligible cars the full pack - is replaced under the high-voltage battery warranty (8 years/100,000 miles) at no cost. GM's interim advice was to keep the pack above 30% state of charge to reduce the chance of a derate. Verify all outstanding battery campaigns are closed at the same time, since the diagnostic software recall deliberately triggers the same message when it finds a bad module.
Sources for this issue (4)
- Chevy Bolt Propulsion Power Reduced Due to Battery Cells: GM (April 2018 customer satisfaction bulletin) - CarComplaints.comarticle
- Bolt - Propulsion Power Reduced - Codes P0AEE, P9BD2, P0BDC - GM-Volt Forumforum
- Got the "Propulsion Reduced" error message. Is the car safe to drive in the short-term? - Chevy Bolt EV Forumforum
- Hit turtle mode - Chevy Bolt EV Forumforum
Toyota Highlander · 2006–2010
On the first- and second-generation Highlander Hybrid (2GR-FXE / 3MZ-FE hybrid), the Intelligent Power Module inside the hybrid inverter assembly carries control-board transistors whose operating temperature can exceed what the solder beneath them tolerates. The solder degrades, the transistor is heat-damaged, and the hybrid system throws multiple warning lamps. In most cases the vehicle drops into fail-safe/limp-home mode with sharply reduced power; in worse cases the power-supply-circuit fuse blows and the entire hybrid system shuts down while driving, stalling the vehicle. This is distinct from the inverter coolant pump failure and from HV traction-battery degradation — here it is the power electronics themselves, not the cooling loop or the pack. Toyota first recalled 2006-2007 cars (11V342000) and then broadened it to all 2006-2010 Highlander Hybrids built Feb 2005 through Jul 2010 under 13V396000 / Toyota campaign D0M.
Common Symptoms
- Multiple warning lights on at once — check engine, slip indicator, brake system, master warning
- Sudden loss of power / limp-home mode
- Hybrid system shuts down and vehicle stalls while driving
- Vehicle will not restart after shutdown
- Reduced acceleration, dashboard warning chime
How to Fix
Free recall remedy: dealers replace the Intelligent Power Module inside the inverter assembly at no cost under NHTSA 13V396000 (Toyota D0M) — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, because many of these cars have changed hands several times and never had it done. If the VIN is not covered or the campaign has been performed and the fault returns, the repair is inverter assembly replacement (or specialist IPM board rework), which is the expensive path.
Sources for this issue (4)
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P0AEE code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0AEE mean?
P0AEE stands for "Drive Motor Inverter Temperature Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance." Drive motor inverter temperature sensor 'A' signal is implausible or out of expected range relative to conditions.
What are the most common causes of P0AEE?
The most common causes of P0AEE are: Drifting/aging sensor, High-resistance connection, Wiring fault, Control module fault. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0AEE?
Repair costs vary widely depending on the root cause and vehicle.
Which vehicles are affected by P0AEE?
Au7o has documented P0AEE across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Chevrolet, Toyota.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.