AutoCodesGMC – P0051 2017 GMC Sierra

P0051 2017 GMC Sierra 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 2017 GMC Sierra 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 282
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 P0051 2017 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 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 2017 GMC Sierra - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1 - AutoCodes.com
P0051 2017 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 1

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0051 2017 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 P0051 2017 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 P0051 2017 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 P0051 2017 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0051 mean on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

P0051 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 code P0051 in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Common symptoms include reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, and an illuminated Check Engine Light.

3. What causes the P0051 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

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

4. Which oxygen sensor is affected by the P0051 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

The code refers to the oxygen sensor in Bank 2 (the side of the engine opposite cylinder 1) and Sensor 1 (located before the catalytic converter).

5. Can a bad oxygen sensor trigger the P0051 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common reasons for the P0051 code.

6. How do you diagnose the P0051 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosis involves checking the oxygen sensor’s wiring and connectors for damage, testing the sensor’s resistance, and verifying proper voltage supply to the circuit.

7. Is it safe to drive a 2017 GMC Sierra with the P0051 code?

While the vehicle may still be drivable, ignoring the code can lead to reduced fuel economy and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

8. How do you fix the P0051 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Repairs may involve replacing the faulty oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, checking for blown fuses, or addressing ECM-related issues.

9. How much does it cost to repair the P0051 code on a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Replacing an oxygen sensor typically costs between $150 and $350, depending on parts and labor, while wiring repairs may vary.

10. Can a blown fuse cause the P0051 code in a 2017 GMC Sierra?

Yes, a blown fuse in the oxygen sensor heater circuit can result in low voltage and trigger the P0051 code.

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