AutoCodes – Generic – P050C

P050C Code - Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the engine coolant temperature. Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P050C indicates Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor harness is open or shorted, Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 4,092

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 27, 2019

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P050C Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the engine coolant temperature. The ECM sets the OBDII code when the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is not to factory specifications.

OBDII Code P050C - Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance - AutoCodes.com — P050C Code - Cold Start Engine Coolant Temperature Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P050C?

Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor harness is open or shorted
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P050C?

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 P050C 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 P050C 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.