P050ACold Start Idle Control System Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- 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. P050A checks whether the raised idle speed or air mass commanded at a cold start is actually reached: Ford sets it when the average deviation between target and actual speed exceeds 200 rpm, with the warning lamp. GM does not use P050A as its own monitor and reports cold-start system faults under its manufacturer code P1400.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Idle after a cold start too low, too high or hunting
- Occasional stalling shortly after a cold start
- Likely causes
- LikelyThrottle or idle valve dirty or coked, not enough air when cold
- PossibleFalse air or vacuum leak
- PossibleFault in the throttle or idle valve circuit
- RareExtra load at cold start (alternator, A/C), stiff engine
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €0 – €350
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.