AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0051 Chevrolet

P0051 Chevrolet Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1

Quick Answer

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P0051 Chevrolet indicates HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 2 Sensor 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

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Code Popularity 6,596

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 23, 2024

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0051 Chevrolet Description

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The HO2S must reach an operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. A heating element inside the HO2S minimizes the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. Voltage is provided to the heater by an ignition voltage circuit through a fuse. With the engine running, the ground is provided to the heater by the HO2S heater low control circuit through a low side driver within the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the HO2S heater operation to maintain a specific HO2S operating temperature range.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to ground in the heater output low side driver circuit of the heated oxygen sensor when the heater is commanded OFF for greater than 5 s.

OBDII Code P0051 Chevrolet - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com — P0051 Chevrolet Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0051 Chevrolet?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0051 Chevrolet?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The control module monitors how long it takes the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code is set when the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can cause the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors. If the fuse and connector are OK, replacing the O2 Sensor usually takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0051 Chevrolet code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

P0051 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1
P0051 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1
P0051 2016 Chevrolet Silverado — HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1
P0051 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1
P0051 2018 Chevrolet Silverado — HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0051 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0051 on a Chevrolet?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0051 Chevrolet mean?

- This code indicates a low voltage condition in the heater control circuit of the oxygen sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 1) in a Chevrolet vehicle.

3. What are some possible causes of the P0051 code on a Chevrolet?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the heater circuit, a blown fuse, or a problem with the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the P0051 code on my Chevrolet?

- Diagnosing this code usually involves checking the oxygen sensor's wiring, testing the sensor's heater resistance, inspecting the fuse, and scanning the ECM for other related faults.

5. Can I drive my Chevrolet with the P0051 code present?

- It is generally not recommended to drive with the P0051 code active, as it can lead to decreased performance and potentially cause damage to the vehicle's catalytic converter.

6. How do I repair the HO2S heater control circuit low voltage issue on my Chevrolet?

- The repair typically involves replacing the oxygen sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 1), repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing fuses if necessary, and clearing the trouble code.

7. Is it possible to prevent the P0051 code from appearing on my Chevrolet?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing oxygen sensors as recommended, can help prevent the occurrence of this code on your Chevrolet.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P0051 code issue on a Chevrolet?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address the P0051 code by following step-by-step repair guides or seeking assistance from online forums.

9. How much does it cost to repair the P0051 code on a Chevrolet at a mechanic?

- The cost of repairing the P0051 code can vary depending on the location, the specific issue causing the code, and the labor rates of the mechanic. It is advisable to obtain quotes from different mechanics.

10. Will resetting the Check Engine Light resolve the P0051 code temporarily?

- Resetting the Check Engine Light may temporarily turn off the light, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the P0051 code. It is essential to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent it from reoccurring.