I am new here and just recently bought a 2010 Ranger XLT. This morning when I started it the engine icon was on on the instrument panel. I took it to my local independent shop and he put the OBD 2 reader on it and came up with that code. He said he had never seen that code before. I Googled it and it said -- Cold Start Engine Temperature Out of Range with a lot of things that could be causing it none of which I understand. Its a 16 valve 2.3 engine with 61,000 miles on it and it seems to run fine. He shut the icon off with his meter and it stayed off driving home about 10 miles.

Does anyone have a idea what the most likely reason for this might be ??

Jim Auguston
Bellingham,WA

 

Welcome to the forum


P050E on a Ford means the downstream O2 sensor is not responding fast enough after engine has been running for a few minutes.

You have two O2 sensors on a 4cyl engine, V6 or V8 has three
O2 sensors read how much Oxygen is in the exhaust pipes, this helps computer to set air/fuel ratio it is feeding the engine

O2 sensors can't work until they get up to 600degF, so they need to be very hot.
This is why they are Heated, this helps them warm up faster, but it still takes 2 or 3 minutes of running to get them hot enough
O2 sensors are also needed lower the emissions

The computer watches for the O2 sensors to start changing voltage, this shows that they are warmed up and working
The O2 sensor closest to the engine is called the Upstream O2 sensor, a V6 has two, 4cyl one, these warm up very fast, and are the most important.

Then there is another O2 sensor farther back on the exhaust pipe, called the Downstream O2 sensor, after the catalytic converter, this O2 is there to test if the Cat converter is working
And this O2 sensor takes awhile to warm up, especially on cold days.

P050E usually means Downstream O2 sensor isn't warming up fast enough, not changing voltage.
This doesn't mean it is not working, thats another code, so don't change the O2 sensor.

This was most likely a computer glitch, I would check with a Ford Dealer, they can look up your VIN and see if your computer needs a software upgrade.
P050E on Fords is mostly associated with the need for a software upgrade not an actual problem.

 

Thanks Ron!!


That is very helpful. I will swing by Diehl Ford here in Bellingham and have them check if my Vin is one that needs the upgrade.


I worked there as a line mechanic in the truck shop for ten years back in the late 60s early 70s. I left there and went to work as a mechanic then crane operator for Sicklesteel Cranes in Mount Vernon for the next 41 years.


Jim

 

I had the vin checked at the dealer and no computer updates were called for. Just the recall for the passenger side air bag that there are no parts available to do. I'll just have to wait to see if it stays out.

Thanks for the help.

Jim

 

It is an emissions code not an engine code so won't effect driving or MPG.

And it is a temperature code so as we get into colder and colder weather you will see if it is an actual issue or was just a fluke.

 

Ron and others.

For three days of daily driving the engine light has been off. This morning I went out and started it to warm up. It ran for about 10 minutes and when I got in the engine icon was on again. Temperature outside this morning was 42 degrees. --- Darn !!!!!.

What should I do? Is that engine icon being on going to indicate other issues besides the P050E issue I was told about? If not what danger would I be inviting If I covered it with a piece of black electrical tape.

What would likely be needed to fix it properly? The independent shop I use said he had never seen that code so I am not sure he would know what to do to fix it.

Last resort I suppose I could take it to Diehl Ford but that idea does not give me a good feeling.

Jim

 

When your engine is cold started(without touching gas pedal) it should start at 1,500+ RPMs then slowly drop to about 1,200rpm and stay there, the colder the outside temp the higher the idle should be.
One reason for this is to warm up the exhaust system as soon as possible.

The computer detects "outside temp" by reading the Coolant temp on cold start.
Now it could be the coolant temp sensor(ECT sensor) is not reporting temps below 80degF, so computer doesn't know to run higher RPMs.

What are your RPMs on cold start idle?

IAC valve is what computer uses to set idle RPMs.

 

I am new to the truck but I do remember it has had a high idle when cold starting. I Don't remember if it went to high idle yesterday. If I use the throttle when cold starting will that cancel the automatic high idle? Could it be I am causing this to happen by using the throttle before the automatic High Idle slows down? It would be nice if that was it-just my lack of knowing the correct starting procedure.


I will have the shop turn the light off again and be careful to NOT touch the throttle until the idle slows down by itself.


Jim

 

Touching the throttle does hurt anything.

It is more for testing the system.

All fuel injection systems have no "Jets" like a carb had.
All engines need to have a Rich air/fuel mix to run cold.

Carb engines had a Choke plate, this was closed on cold starts to reduce air flow into carb, so engine vacuum would cause more fuel to be sucked from the "Jets", making a Richer air/fuel mix.
You can't suck extra fuel in from an injector...........So Choke plate won't work

Fuel injection Computers must run a cold engine in Choke Mode, until it warms up
Rich air/fuel mix and higher idle, also advanced spark timing

ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor is what computer uses to see if engine is cold or already warmed up(restart)
But in all cases the computer opens up IAC Valve all the way(max. air) for starting, cold or warm.
So to test that don't touch the gas pedal and start engine
RPMs should go high then drop as computer closes IAC valve to set idle RPMs based on ECT sensor temp.


Why do cold engines need more gas?
It has to do with the vapor point of gasoline
Liquid gasoline doesn't burn.............yes the movie guys show that it does but it doesn't, lol.
Gasoline vapor is what burns.
You need about 30% gas vapor in a cylinder for the spark plug to ignite it.
In a cold engine gasoline is only about 10% vapor, so you need to add 3 times more gasoline to get to 30%
That is what the Choke Plate did and what Choke Mode does.
The colder the temp the less vapor there is, so the more gas is needed

 

I haven,t had the icon reset yet. This morning when I started it (34 degrees) the tach went to 1400 rpm for a few seconds then surged to 1500 - then slowly down to 1100. I then drove it.


I am looking for ideas what to do. If it being on will not cause any issues I will put a piece of tape over it. We do not have emissions testing here if that matters. I would fix it myself if I had a idea what it would take to do it. I am a retired mechanic and just have not worked on anything but heavy equipment and operated cranes for the last 40 years. I put a VW 1.6 TD in my Samurai 8 years ago and we tow it behind our Sports Coach Elite 40' Cat C-7 powered motorhome. Fun toys. Our go-to place with the motorhome is Fort Casey State Park where the ferry to Port Townsend leaves Whidbey Is. A lot of BC RV,ers go there.


We live across from Whatcom Falls Park on Lakeway Drive.


Jim

 

If you have a "smart phone", android or apple, or tablet with BlueTooth, you can get a Bluetooth OBD2 reader for under $40

And a free APP, check that APP is free before buying the reader

Bluetooth reader connects and is powered by the vehicles OBD2 port.
Then you can use the smart phone or tablet as the viewing screen, it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth to OBD2 reader.
You can of course get and clear codes with it, but you can also watch Live Data while driving which can be handy when looking for an intermittent problem.

And one of the best parts is that it will work with any vehicle sold in the US or Canada from 1996 and up, required by law.

So not a Ford or Ranger investment

Reviews here: 7 Best Bluetooth OBD2 Adapters & Scanners - MyCarNeedsThis

The extension cable is a nice add-on, some OBD2 connectors have narrow access hole in dash panels so the reader won't fit, extension cable is nice to have handy if that is the case

 

Neither of us have smart phones. I tried one for a short time and gave up. Too difficult for this old man. Back to my Motorola flip phone. We both have Kindle Fires if they are considered a tablet. We both have Dell laptops.

Jim

 

I just checked my Kindle Fire and it DOES support Blue Tooth.


Do you have a suggestion for the best of the readers on your list?


Jim

 

No, not really, just read the reviews you can find about them.
But a good review here on the BAFX reader and free version of Torque APP: http://www.soundandvision.com/conten...4Z1xGwzIP7f.97

Make sure basic APP to use the one you pick is available for free and works with Kindle Fire operating system.
Some "better" APPS are $5-$10 which isn't too bad if you don't change devices(computers) alot.


Laptops without bluetooth can get bluetooth with a small USB adapter, $15-$35
But most laptops have bluetooth now, it is cheap to add during manufacturing now

 

OK-Making progress with your excellent guidance. I have ordered the BAFX OBD11 Blue tooth adapter and a Dongle for my no bluetooth equipped Dell Notebook running Chrome 64 bit. I now need to know how to go about purchasing the Torque Plus version and getting it onto the notebook. For 5 bucks might as well get all the available features.

I hope I am not becoming a pest but I am in a territory I am not familiar with.

Jim

 

I don't use a Chrome operating system but it says they do support Android apps
Dell
Chromebook 11 3120
Chromebook 13 7310

Are said to support Android APPS

Check Google Play store
Download the FREE torque app first, make sure it can be opened and runs, you don't need the Bluetooth adapter or ODBII device to do this.
It will just say device not found but APP will open and run

 

Don't know why but this morning the engine icon went out. The BAFX reader and the Dongle arrived today so I will try to set it up and wait to see what happens. Thanks for all the help. I will let you know what happens.

Jim