P0051 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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.
Code P0051 Pontiac Description
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.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0051 Pontiac?
- 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 Pontiac?
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.
Code Tech Notes
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0051 Pontiac 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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Frequently Asked Questions about P0051 Pontiac Code
1. What does the OBDII code P0051 mean for a Pontiac?
The P0051 code indicates a low voltage issue in the heater control circuit for the oxygen sensor (HO2S) located in Bank 2, Sensor 1.
2. What are the symptoms of the P0051 code in a Pontiac?
Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, increased emissions, and the Check Engine Light being illuminated.
3. What causes the P0051 code in a Pontiac?
Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a malfunctioning powertrain control module (PCM).
4. Where is Bank 2 Sensor 1 located on my Pontiac?
Bank 2 Sensor 1 is the upstream oxygen sensor located on the exhaust manifold of the engine bank that does not contain cylinder 1.
5. Can I drive my Pontiac with the P0051 code?
Driving with the P0051 code may not cause immediate damage, but it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and higher emissions. Prompt diagnosis and repair are recommended.
6. How do I fix the P0051 code on a Pontiac?
Repairs may include replacing the upstream Bank 2 oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or replacing a blown fuse in the heater circuit.
7. How can I test the oxygen sensor for the P0051 code?
You can use a multimeter to check the resistance of the oxygen sensor’s heater circuit and inspect for proper voltage supply to confirm if the sensor is faulty.
8. Could a bad PCM cause the P0051 code?
While rare, a malfunctioning PCM can cause the P0051 code if it fails to properly control the oxygen sensor heater circuit.
9. How much does it cost to fix the P0051 code on a Pontiac?
Repair costs vary but typically range from $100 to $300, depending on whether the heater circuit wiring or the oxygen sensor itself needs to be replaced.
10. Will clearing the P0051 code fix the problem permanently?
Clearing the code may turn off the Check Engine Light temporarily, but the underlying issue must be repaired to prevent the code from returning.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0051 Pontiac OBDII Code
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