Which Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P0050 HO2S Heater Control Circuit – Bank 2, Sensor 1
- P0051 HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low
- P0052 HO2S Heater Control Circuit High
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Is the P0050 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The diagnostic trouble code P0050 relates to the issues the Engine Control Module (ECM) finds with the heater control circuit of the primary oxygen sensor 1 on the bank 2 side of the engine. Bank 2 is located opposite the side of the engine that houses the number 1 cylinder. Once the ECM detects a potential fault in the heater wire in the sensor on bank 2, it will set the P0050 code.
Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and send the voltage readings to the ECM to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio accordingly. The oxygen sensors typically heat up alongside the exhaust temperatures and are able to operate normally so long as the sensor itself isn’t impaired or damaged by some other issue. The heater element, therefore, is designed for initial startups when the vehicle is in a cold state. With that said, a typical oxygen sensor will only send the signal once its tip reaches an operating temperature of 527 degrees Fahrenheit. With that said, these sensors need to maintain a certain temperature to keep relaying accurate data to the ECM. To reach these temperatures, manufacturers equip heater wires to achieve the intended results quickly. Ultimately, this shortens the time it takes for the engine in a closed-loop cycle.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0050 Code?
The first symptom you will find with the P0050 code is that the ECM will trigger the Check Engine Light to set in your vehicle. Following this, you may notice that your car is experiencing decreased fuel efficiency because of the inability of the PCM to send the proper air-to-fuel ratio to your vehicle’s engine. You may also notice a decrease in engine performance that may last unless you inspect the issue at hand.
What Are Some Causes of a P0050 Code?
With the P0050 code, there are relatively few causes, but the most common one is sensor 1 failure. Sensors often fail from wear and tear or can be damaged by road hazards, which can cause damage to the undercarriage of a vehicle, where these sensors usually lie. Sometimes a poor electrical connection is the cause of a P0500 code issue or an open or short in the wiring leading to the sensor. The least common cause of the code issue is an ECM failing.
How Serious Is the P0050 Code?
As we mentioned, the most severe issue you will find with the P0050 code is the decrease in fuel economy and rough running. With that said, it’s a moderately severe code if left untreated because it can lead to further engine stress and damage. You always want to address issues with oxygen sensors and heater circuits sooner than later to avoid further damage to your engine’s internals.
Can I Still Drive with a P0050 Code?
Because the P0050 code can cause rough running conditions with your vehicle, qualified technicians do not recommend driving for extended periods. This is because leaving this issue unaddressed can lead to further problems with your engine’s internals and rougher riding conditions. Take your car to a certified service center sooner than later to have your vehicle inspected.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0050 Code?
The technician will start diagnosing the P0050 code by observing the freeze frame data. They will clear the code and perform a road test to recreate the operating conditions found in the freeze frame data. After that, they will visually inspect the sensor’s wiring and observe the sensor data to check for proper working conditions. You must be careful whenever there is back probing needed, because falsely identifying the wires or certain tests can cause damage to the heater driver in the ECM. Finally, they will review the car’s ECM and perform the manufacturer’s specified tests.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0050 Code?
Inspecting the P0050 code takes a few steps and involves a detailed examination of wiring and sensor conditions. With that said, inspection is best left to qualified technicians with prior experience resolving these sorts of issues. It would be best if you didn’t attempt to DIY this issue at home because this can further damage your engine. Nevertheless, the first repair a technician will make with this issue is to replace sensor 1 or replace the heater circuit fuse if needed. They will also repair any open or shorted wiring that may be causing the issue. Finally, the technician may replace the ECM if it’s defective; however, this is the rarest repair.
Need Additional Help with Your P0050 Code?
By following the information and guidelines we’ve laid out here, you should be able to quickly inspect your vehicle’s P0050 issue and get your car back to a healthy condition.
P0050 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.