Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent
The P0A43 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- hard
- Estimated cost
- $150 - $1,200 (wiring at the low end; a position sensor/resolver can require motor or transaxle work)
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light and hybrid system warning on
- Electric motor may shut down, stumble, or vibrate - the inverter cannot time the motor without position data
- Vehicle may enter limp mode or refuse EV operation
- Possible no-start if the affected motor is needed to start the engine
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor (resolver) High
- Damaged wiring or a corroded connector between the sensor and the inverter/control module High
- Sensor knocked out of alignment or damaged during other repairs Moderate
- Inverter or control-module input circuit fault Low
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0A43 mean?
P0A43 means the Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor circuit is faulty. This sensor (a resolver) tells the inverter the exact rotor position; without it the motor cannot be controlled precisely.
Can I keep driving with P0A43?
Treat it as short-distances-only. The system may cut the affected motor without warning, and on many hybrids that can mean losing drive or engine starting. Have it diagnosed promptly.
Is P0A43 safe to work on myself?
This code involves the high-voltage system. Do not open the HV battery, inverter, or any orange-cabled component without hybrid-specific training, insulated gloves, and the service plug removed. Diagnosis beyond a scan-tool read belongs at a hybrid-qualified shop.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Read the code with a hybrid-capable scan tool and note whether it returns immediately after clearing.
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Inspect the Drive Motor "A" Position Sensor wiring and connectors - resolver circuits are low-level signals and sensitive to corrosion and chafing.
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Measure the resolver windings' resistance at the connector against service-manual values.
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If the sensor itself is faulty, follow the OEM procedure - on many hybrids it lives inside the transaxle.
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Confirm the repair with a road test covering EV launch, acceleration, and regenerative braking.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- Toyota/Lexus hybrids (Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid)
- Ford/Lincoln hybrids (Escape, Fusion, C-MAX)
- Honda hybrids (Insight, Civic Hybrid, Accord Hybrid)
- Hyundai/Kia hybrids and plug-in hybrids
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