Error Code P0050: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you are experiencing unusual response of the throttle, lack of power forms the car engine, impact on the fuel economy and frequent illumination of the Check Engine Light, it might be an indication of the OBD Code P0050 error.

The ECM (Engine control module) relies on the Heated Oxygen sensors (HO2S) to attain a specific air to fuel ratio. The HO2S detect oxygen content in the exhaust and the information is passed to the ECM which uses this information to adjust the fuel delivered to the engine. A Heated Oxygen sensor contains a circuit dedicated to operating a heater that warms up the Oxygen sensor fast. This shortens the time the engine needs to achieve closed loop, which decreases emissions.

O2 sensor heater is fed a 12V fused supply voltage and a computer-controlled ground on some vehicles and on other vehicles the O2 sensor heater may be supplied a computer controlled 12 volts feed and continuous ground. If the ECM detects a fault on the Bank 2, sensor 1 heater circuit a P0050 may set.

This code refers to Bank 2, which is the side (bank of cylinders) that doesn't contain cylinder #1.

What causes problem with HO2S Heater Control Circuit (B2 S1)?

• Faulty ECM that might require replacement or reprogramming
• Heater circuit fuse blown
• Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 faulty/damaged
• Open Shorted Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness that needs replacement
• Poor electrical connection of Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit that are to be replaced

1. Heated Oxygen Sensor - A faulty sensor will not be able to analyse the air to fuel ratio in the exhaust. Replace damaged oxygen sensors now!
2. Heated Oxygen Sensor Harness - OBD Error Code P0050 may also occur if the sensor harness is damaged. Shop for quality oxygen sensor replacement parts now!
3. Heated Oxygen Sensor Connector - A faulty Oxygen Sensor Connector can cause abnormal engine performance. Replace your old connectors now.
4. Heater Circuit Fuse - Faulty Heater Circuit Fuse affects the fuel/air ratio as well as the exhaust systems. Replace old fuses and parts now!
5. Engine Control Module - Faulty EVMs are rare problems but can cause the OBD errors too. It’s better to get the faulty electricals replaced as soon as possible.
6. Powertrain Control Module - P0050 error code also relates to problems with the powertrain that affects the engine control module and the transmission module. Find all the Powertrain related parts with us.
7. Diagnostic Tool - Use high grade diagnostic tools to detect and solve OBD errors. Buy from us now!

With the OBD Code P0050, the car will still run but you will notice the illuminated Check Engine Light on the dashboard as a noticeable symptom. Vehicle may run rough with reduced fuel economy too.

Common Symptoms

• Increase in time needed to achieve closed loop
• Check Engine Light illumination on dashboard
• Possibly decreased fuel mileage depending on fault

Following are the ways to correct the OBD Code P0050 error problem.

• Replacement of Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit
• Repair/Replace damaged/short/open wiring
• Changing Bank 2 Sensor 1 fuse
• Replacement of ECU
• Replace/repair PCM
• Replacement of Heated Oxygen Sensor and connectors

At Parts Avatar Canada, find the best quality replacement parts and the best prices in the market for all makes and models. Find PCM/ECM components, electrical wiring and components, air fuel ratio gauge/meter, oxygen sensor cleaners, electronic control units, air intake manifolds and more.

A qualified mechanic will diagnose Error P0050 easily, as long as all steps are followed in the proper order.

• A scanner is installed into the DTC port
• Freeze frame data and observe the P0050 error code issues
• Clears the code and performs a road test, recreating the operating conditions found in the freeze frame data an see if the code reappears
• Visually inspect the sensor's wiring
• Inspect the sensor data to check for proper operation
• Check the car’s ECM and performs the manufacturer's specified tests

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0050 code

It is important to follow the step by step analysis of every component associated with this error code to properly diagnose this problem and avoiding it from returning again. Simply replacing the major parts without examining the cause will lead to misdiagnosis and won’t fetch the desired results.

• Parts that are necessary to diagnose code P0050 correctly getting skipped
• Replacing the sensor without doing proper analysis of the problem
• Simply replacing the Powertrain Control Module
• Not checking for faulty wiring and connectors to the sensor in the circuit