Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P050B (2016 2017 2018 2019 2020)
DTC P050B : Cold Start Ignition Timing Control System Performance Problem
NOTE: Before you troubleshoot, review the general troubleshooting information .
| DTC Description | Confirmed DTC | Pending DTC | Freeze Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| P050B Cold Start Ignition Timing Control System Performance Problem |
DTC (PGM-FI)
- PGM-FI system check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
-2. Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.
DTC Description Confirmed DTC Pending DTC Freeze Frame Are any Pending or Confirmed DTCs other than P050B indicated?
YES
Go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.
NO
Go to step 2.
- Intake air duct visual check
-1. Check for a poor connection or blockage at the intake air duct.
Is it OK?
YES
Go to step 3.
NO
Reconnect or repair the intake air duct.
- Air cleaner housing visual check
-1. Check for a poor connection or blockage at the air cleaner housing.
Is it OK?
YES
Go to step 4.
NO
- Air cleaner element visual check
-1. Check for dirt or debris on the air cleaner element.
Is it dirty?
YES
Replace the air cleaner element .
NO
Go to step 5.
- Problem verification
-1. Let the engine cool until the value of ECT SENSOR 1 is 122 deg. F (50 deg. C) or less.
Signal Current conditions Values Unit ECT SENSOR 1 -2. Clear the DTC with the HDS.
-3. Start the engine, and let it idle for 10 seconds or more.
-4. Monitor the OBD STATUS for DTC P050B in the DTCs MENU with the HDS.
DTC Description OBD STATUS P050B Cold Start Ignition Timing Control System Performance Problem Does the HDS indicate FAILED?
YES
The failure is duplicated. Go to step 6.
NO
If the HDS indicates PASSED, intermittent failure, the system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the CKP sensor, the throttle body, MAF sensor/IAT sensor, ECT sensor 1, ECT sensor 2, and the PCM. If the freeze data/on-board snapshot of this DTC is recorded, try to reproduce the failure under the same conditions with the freeze data/on-board snapshot . If the HDS indicates EXECUTING, keep idling until a result comes on. If the HDS indicates OUT OF CONDITION, go to step 5-1 and recheck.
- Determine possible failure area (CKP sensor, others)
-1. Check the ignition timing .
Is the ignition timing OK?
YES
Go to step 8.
NO
Go to step 7.
- CKP sensor and CKP pulse plate visual check
-1. Check for damage at the CKP sensor and the CKP pulse plate.
Is the CKP sensor and CKP pulse plate damaged or loose?
YES
Replace the CKP sensor and/or the CKP pulse plate .
NO
The CKP sensor and the CKP pulse plate are OK. Update the PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good PCM , then recheck. If DTC P050B goes away and the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If DTC P050B goes away and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM .
- Throttle body test
-1. Select the ETCS TEST in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS.
ETCS TEST
Is the THROTTLE ACTUATOR CONTROL VALVE normal?
YES
Go to step 9.
NO
- MAF sensor performance check
-1. Start the engine.
-2. Hold the engine speed at 3, 000 rpm without load (CVT in P or N, M/T in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
-3. While holding the engine speed at 2, 500 rpm for 30 seconds, check the parameter (s) below with the HDS.
Signal Threshold Current conditions Values Unit Values Unit MAF SENSOR 4.9-6.9 g/s Do the current condition (s) match the threshold?
YES
The MAF sensor is OK. Go to step 10.
NO
- ECT sensor 1 and ECT sensor 2 performance check
-1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
-2. Allow the engine to cool to ambient temperature.
-3. Note the ambient temperature.
-4. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
-5. Quickly note the value of the ECT SENSOR 1 and ECT SENSOR 2 in the DATA LIST with the HDS.
Signal Current conditions Values Unit ECT SENSOR 1 ECT SENSOR 2 -6. Compare the value of ECT SENSOR 1 and the value of ECT SENSOR 2 with the ambient temperature individually.
Does either sensor differ more than 5.4 deg. F (3 deg. C) from the ambient temperature?
YES
Replace the sensor that differed more than 5.4 deg. F (3 deg. C) from the ambient temperature.
NO
The ECT sensors are OK. Check and repair any problems with the following items. Repair or replace them if needed. If every item is OK, update the PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good PCM , then recheck. If DTC P050B goes away and the PCM was updated, troubleshooting is complete. If DTC P050B goes away and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM .
- Engine compression and cylinder leakdown
- Valve pause system
- Engine oil
- A/C system
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.