AutoCodes – Nissan – P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra

P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra Code - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Heater Bank 2 Control Circuit Low

Quick Answer

Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) sensor need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 1200 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. Common causes include Faulty Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1, Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground, Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) 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 2012 Nissan Sentra indicates Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Heater Bank 2 Control Circuit Low.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1, Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground, Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) 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 4,226
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra Description

Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) sensor need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 1200 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. The faster the air-fuel ratio 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 air-fuel ratio sensor. The ECM controls the air-fuel ratio 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.
OBDII Code P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Heater Bank 2 Control Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com
P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra Code - Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Heater Bank 2 Control Circuit Low

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra?

  • Faulty Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1
  • Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 harness is open shorted to ground
  • Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Air-Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor Bank 2 Sensor 1 circuit fuse
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra?

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 is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra 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.

Need more information about the P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P0051 2012 Nissan Sentra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0051 on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0051 for a 2012 Nissan Sentra indicate?

- The code indicates a problem with the Air Fuel Ratio Sensor 1 Heater Bank 2 Control Circuit being low.

3. What are the possible causes of the P0051 code on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Possible causes include a faulty air fuel ratio sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or issues with the sensor's heater circuit.

4. How can I diagnose and repair the P0051 code on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- To diagnose and repair the code, you can start by checking the sensor's wiring and connectors for any damage or corrosion. If those are in good condition, the sensor itself may need to be replaced.

5. Can I continue driving my 2012 Nissan Sentra with the P0051 code?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the P0051 code present, as it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potential long-term damage to the vehicle's engine.

6. Is it possible to reset the OBDII code P0051 on a 2012 Nissan Sentra without fixing the issue?

- While you can clear the code with an OBDII scanner, it will likely come back if the underlying issue causing the code is not addressed.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the P0051 code on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the code, but it may range from $150 to $400, including parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the P0051 code on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, it may be possible to replace the air fuel ratio sensor yourself. However, diagnosing the exact cause of the code may require professional help.

9. How long does it take to repair the P0051 code on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- The repair time can vary, but a professional mechanic may take around 1-2 hours to diagnose and replace the faulty air fuel ratio sensor.

10. Will fixing the P0051 code improve the performance of a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Yes, resolving the P0051 code should help restore optimal fuel efficiency and engine performance in your Nissan Sentra.

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