The Lemon IndexRight after a cold start, the idle speed isn't where the computer wants it.
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
Dirty throttle body. Then: vacuum leak; software (updates exist for some cars).
Owners named P050A in 27 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Kia Soul.
Models that report it most
Complaints that name P050A, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints. Tap a model for its years, mileage and what owners say fixed it.
P050A by model: P050A Kia Soul (20)
Years owners report it on most: 2014 Kia Soul · 2016 Kia Soul · 2015 Kia Soul · 2012 Hyundai Accent
The details
What P050A means
Right after a cold start, the idle speed isn't where the computer wants it.
Can I drive with P050A?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
11% of the owner complaints that name P050A also say the car overheats. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P050A
- Dirty throttle body
- Vacuum leak
- Software (updates exist for some cars)
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Overheats: 11% of complaints
- Rattles or knocks: 7% of complaints
- Stalls or shuts off: 7% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P050A most
2014 Kia Soul (8), 2016 Kia Soul (6), 2015 Kia Soul (6), 2012 Hyundai Accent (3).
Related codes
P050B P0507 P050D P0506 P0505 P0504 P0500 P0513
Quick answers
What does P050A mean?
Cold Start Idle Air Control System Performance. Right after a cold start, the idle speed isn't where the computer wants it.
Can I drive with P050A?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
What causes P050A?
Dirty throttle body; Vacuum leak; Software (updates exist for some cars).
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P050A. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.