Possible causes

– Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1
– Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted
– Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
– Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1 fuse
– Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

Tech notes

The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can caused the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow, which is a very common problem for this type codes. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors.

When is the code detected?

The P0050 is set when the ECM detects an open or shorted to ground condition on the heated oxygen sensor heater circuit

Symptoms

– Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)

P0050 Description

Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. The faster the heated oxygen sensor reaches that temperature the faster the sensor will start sending an accurate signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM).
In order to achieve the require temperature, a heater element is included inside the heated oxygen sensor. The ECM controls the heated oxygen sensor heater element based on signals from the engine coolant temperature and engine load. The ECM controls the heater element circuit by allowing current flow to ground.
The ECM monitors the voltage signal received through the heater element circuit and determines the state of the circuit by comparing the voltage detected with the factory specifications.

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P0050 Information for specific makes

P0050 AUDI
P0050 BMW
P0050 HYUNDAI
P0050 KIA
P0050 SUBARU
P0050 SUZUKI
P0050 VOLKSWAGEN
P0050 VOLVO
P0050 BUICK
P0050 CADILLAC
P0050 CHEVROLET
P0050 GMC
P0050 PONTIAC
P0050 SATURN
P0050 OLDSMOBILE