AutoCodesGMC – P0050 2018 GMC Sierra

P0050 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit 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
P0050 2018 GMC Sierra indicates HO2S Heater Control Circuit 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 276
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2024
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Code P0050 2018 GMC Sierra 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 an open circuit 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 P0050 2018 GMC Sierra - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0050 2018 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0050 2018 GMC Sierra?

  • 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 P0050 2018 GMC Sierra?

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 P0050 2018 GMC Sierra 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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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 P0050 2018 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0050 mean on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

P0050 indicates a problem with the HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) Heater Control Circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 1. The sensor's heater element may not be functioning correctly.

2. What are the symptoms of code P0050 on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Symptoms may include reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, increased emissions, and the check engine light illuminated.

3. What causes the P0050 code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged sensor wiring, a blown fuse, or issues with the ECM (Engine Control Module).

4. How can I diagnose the P0050 code on my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Inspect the wiring and connectors for damage, check the fuse for the oxygen sensor circuit, and use a multimeter to test the heater element’s resistance.

5. Can a faulty oxygen sensor trigger the P0050 code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a defective Heated Oxygen Sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 1) is a common cause of this code.

6. Is it safe to drive my 2018 GMC Sierra with the P0050 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the issue can lead to reduced performance and higher emissions, so prompt repair is recommended.

7. How do you fix the P0050 code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring, or replacing a blown fuse.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0050 code on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $300, depending on whether you need to replace the oxygen sensor or fix wiring issues.

9. Does the P0050 code affect emissions on a 2018 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can lead to higher emissions due to improper air-fuel ratio control.

10. How can I prevent the P0050 code from recurring on my 2018 GMC Sierra?

Regular maintenance, such as inspecting wiring and connectors and replacing oxygen sensors as recommended, can help prevent this issue.

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