Powertrain, generic · Vehicle speed, idle control and auxiliary inputs

P050E Cold Start Engine Exhaust Temperature Too Low

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

After a cold start the engine module raises idle speed and air mass and retards the ignition so that much heat goes into the exhaust and the catalyst lights off quickly. CARB requires this cold-start strategy to be monitored with its own codes, separate from ordinary idle and ignition faults. Ford collects data during the first 15 s after a cold start (coolant and catalyst 20–100 °F) and judges after 300 s, once per trip. P050E is the system check of the strategy: does enough heat reach the exhaust and catalyst? Ford uses no exhaust temperature sensor but a catalyst temperature model – actual against target – and sets the code when the temperature deficit divided by the target rise exceeds 0.4, with the warning lamp. FCA uses P050E on the 3.0-litre EcoDiesel (Ram 1500, Grand Cherokee 2014), where it concerns heating the oxidation catalyst, fixed by software. GM uses its manufacturer code P1400 instead.

Likely causes

Idle or air control does not reach the cold-start target (dirty throttle, false air)
Ignition not retarded enough (knock or torque intervention)
Engine module software
Air mass meter reading wrong

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Usually no change in driving
  • Higher cold-start emissions

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€0–400
Time0.5–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

cold start strategycatalytic converterengine control module

Related codes

P050AP050BP0420P0544P0101

References: newtonnet.co.uk, static.nhtsa.gov, static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.