just a guess but try replacing the engine oil level sensor before you do anything more costly. The sensor is right next to the drain plug and it shouldn't cost much.
p051b-00 code
Hey all,
Some context about my Stelvio: 2018 Ti Sport with 59k miles, 2nd owner, I change my own oil every 5k (twice now), daily driven 60 miles/4 days/week. Mods: MaxPower Pro, GFB Dv+, and a Sprint Ultra Fine filter. Radiator replaced at 53k under warranty, AGM battery at 55k, and serpentine belt replaced at 57k.
On a freeway drive home two weeks ago before an oil change, CEL came on while cruising at 68mph on N mode. I hooked up MES once I was home and found p051b-00 code. Looked up the meaning of the code and attributed it to possibly having too much oil as I added the last bit of it from the leftover bottle I had from my first oil change a few days before, the oil level was a little over full on the infotainment before I cleared the code on MES without checking the MES oil level.
Changed my oil a few days after, 5.5qts, reset the oil change interval and counter on MES, drove the car normally for a few days, then one night I get a CEL right after start-up as I got off from work. Luckily had my laptop in the car and hooked up MES to find the same p051b-00 code, checked the oil level on the infotainment and it appeared to be a little over 3/4, MES reading 5.5qts, cleared the code and hasn't been back ever since.
Anyone have experience with this code? I would like to fix it myself if it comes back and only go to the dealer as a last resort as the car is now out of warranty. The car drove just fine with the CEL, obviously no D or A modes, hopefully not an issue that can potentially lead to a major problem.
Some context about my Stelvio: 2018 Ti Sport with 59k miles, 2nd owner, I change my own oil every 5k (twice now), daily driven 60 miles/4 days/week. Mods: MaxPower Pro, GFB Dv+, and a Sprint Ultra Fine filter. Radiator replaced at 53k under warranty, AGM battery at 55k, and serpentine belt replaced at 57k.
On a freeway drive home two weeks ago before an oil change, CEL came on while cruising at 68mph on N mode. I hooked up MES once I was home and found p051b-00 code. Looked up the meaning of the code and attributed it to possibly having too much oil as I added the last bit of it from the leftover bottle I had from my first oil change a few days before, the oil level was a little over full on the infotainment before I cleared the code on MES without checking the MES oil level.
Changed my oil a few days after, 5.5qts, reset the oil change interval and counter on MES, drove the car normally for a few days, then one night I get a CEL right after start-up as I got off from work. Luckily had my laptop in the car and hooked up MES to find the same p051b-00 code, checked the oil level on the infotainment and it appeared to be a little over 3/4, MES reading 5.5qts, cleared the code and hasn't been back ever since.
Anyone have experience with this code? I would like to fix it myself if it comes back and only go to the dealer as a last resort as the car is now out of warranty. The car drove just fine with the CEL, obviously no D or A modes, hopefully not an issue that can potentially lead to a major problem.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Would you know if I have to drain the oil to replace it?just a guess but try replacing the engine oil level sensor before you do anything more costly. The sensor is right next to the drain plug and it shouldn't cost much.
I also tried looking it up but can only find the part provided by HELLA. Not too sure if that's what comes out of the factory but I'll get it nonetheless.
Yes the oil will need to be drained but that switch is very easy to replace and my other car used Hella as well.
awesome. I'll probably do it next oil change or if I keep getting the code. Thank you as always.Yes the oil will need to be drained but that switch is very easy to replace and my other car used Hella as well.
What brand and weight of oil did you use when you did your oil changes?
Remember that the sensor is weighing the oil that is above it, so if the oil you are using is heavier than the factory oil, you have to use a smidge less of it in order to not trigger the over filled reading.
So, honestly, just use 5.4 quarts of oil to prevent the light from coming back, next time.
You could spin off the oil filter, dump out half of its contents, spin it back on, and that should do the trick after you restart the engine, and go through the oil level reset/check process.
Remember that the sensor is weighing the oil that is above it, so if the oil you are using is heavier than the factory oil, you have to use a smidge less of it in order to not trigger the over filled reading.
So, honestly, just use 5.4 quarts of oil to prevent the light from coming back, next time.
You could spin off the oil filter, dump out half of its contents, spin it back on, and that should do the trick after you restart the engine, and go through the oil level reset/check process.
Awesome thanks for the tip. I used Mopar factory weight oil both times.What brand and weight of oil did you use when you did your oil changes?
Remember that the sensor is weighing the oil that is above it, so if the oil you are using is heavier than the factory oil, you have to use a smidge less of it in order to not trigger the over filled reading.
So, honestly, just use 5.4 quarts of oil to prevent the light from coming back, next time.
You could spin off the oil filter, dump out half of its contents, spin it back on, and that should do the trick after you restart the engine, and go through the oil level reset/check process.
Update:
p051b-00 has been on and off when driving for the past few weeks. Getting annoyed of hooking up MES and clearing the code only for it to return. Took it to the dealership and just told them I had a check engine light because I wanted to see what they find. Turns out they found the exact same code and wanted to charge me $1002 total to replace the crank case pressure sensor and the intake tube. They were trying to charge $170 for the tube, &172 for the sensor, and the rest to labor, luckily I asked the tech where the sensor is located and he pointed it right out. So I asked for a print out of the quote and went on my marry way.
So I did some digging online and found the sensor for $90 - my next DIY project now.
and for anyone who has this problem,
Crank Case Pressure Sensor part # 68378508AA
p051b-00 has been on and off when driving for the past few weeks. Getting annoyed of hooking up MES and clearing the code only for it to return. Took it to the dealership and just told them I had a check engine light because I wanted to see what they find. Turns out they found the exact same code and wanted to charge me $1002 total to replace the crank case pressure sensor and the intake tube. They were trying to charge $170 for the tube, &172 for the sensor, and the rest to labor, luckily I asked the tech where the sensor is located and he pointed it right out. So I asked for a print out of the quote and went on my marry way.
So I did some digging online and found the sensor for $90 - my next DIY project now.
and for anyone who has this problem,
Crank Case Pressure Sensor part # 68378508AA
Ok. So crankcase pressure sensor can go bad for a few reasons.. what I am doing here is guessing based on experience. This isn't biblical, ymmv.
Most often, cases like this it's due to dirty oil or bad electrical.
Dirty oil is the less likely I think but it really has to do with how often the previous owner changed it which is probably every 10k. You may think about at the next oil change running a extra quart of oil through the pan, just let it drain out to flush any crud staying in the pan. Add seafoam or other engine cleaner if you want but don't start the engine. Just drain it to clean the pan.
Otherwise if you do the work yourself inspect all the wiring harnesses very well and test the wiring to rule out any secondary issues there. Most likely that was a large part of what the dealer was charging for labor.
Most often, cases like this it's due to dirty oil or bad electrical.
Dirty oil is the less likely I think but it really has to do with how often the previous owner changed it which is probably every 10k. You may think about at the next oil change running a extra quart of oil through the pan, just let it drain out to flush any crud staying in the pan. Add seafoam or other engine cleaner if you want but don't start the engine. Just drain it to clean the pan.
Otherwise if you do the work yourself inspect all the wiring harnesses very well and test the wiring to rule out any secondary issues there. Most likely that was a large part of what the dealer was charging for labor.
Was planning to change the sensor during the next oil change, which is in about 1.5k miles. I read somewhere on the giulia forums that seafoam isn't the greatest for the 2.0 engines, but I've never thought of mixing it in with oil and letting it run through the pan while it's draining - might just try that too.Ok. So crankcase pressure sensor can go bad for a few reasons.. what I am doing here is guessing based on experience. This isn't biblical, ymmv.
Most often, cases like this it's due to dirty oil or bad electrical.
Dirty oil is the less likely I think but it really has to do with how often the previous owner changed it which is probably every 10k. You may think about at the next oil change running a extra quart of oil through the pan, just let it drain out to flush any crud staying in the pan. Add seafoam or other engine cleaner if you want but don't start the engine. Just drain it to clean the pan.
Otherwise if you do the work yourself inspect all the wiring harnesses very well and test the wiring to rule out any secondary issues there. Most likely that was a large part of what the dealer was charging for labor.
Yeah, I wouldn't run it through the engine. Just put it. In the pan, maybe let it sit to dissolve stuff if you want, then drain out. (I let it sit for a bit before draining)
Do not start the engine when the Seafoam is in the pan.
I did that and got gritty black soot along with black fluid when drained out. Don't know if that will help anything or not long term but I sure feel better with it not in there.
Now I run an extra quart of oil to flush the pan after each oil change before reinstalling the plug and filling the pan.
And of course feel free to use any detergent brand. I use "seafoam" like it's a generic term.... Like how some people say "Coke" instead of soda.
Do not start the engine when the Seafoam is in the pan.
I did that and got gritty black soot along with black fluid when drained out. Don't know if that will help anything or not long term but I sure feel better with it not in there.
Now I run an extra quart of oil to flush the pan after each oil change before reinstalling the plug and filling the pan.
And of course feel free to use any detergent brand. I use "seafoam" like it's a generic term.... Like how some people say "Coke" instead of soda.
Alfa Romeo TSB 18-017-21
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Number:
18-017-21
Title:
Date:
2/8/2021
Models:
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates
Summary:
Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P032D-
00 - Knock Sensor 3 Circuit High; P008A-00 - Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low; P034C-00 - Ion Sense System Performance; P051B-00 - Crankcase Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software and replacing the oil vapor recovery tube.
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Number:
18-017-21
Title:
Date:
2/8/2021
Models:
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates
- 2018 Stelvio
- 2018 Stelvio Quadrifoglio
- 2018 Stelvio Sport
- 2018 Stelvio Ti
- 2018 Stelvio Ti Lusso
- 2018 Stelvio Ti Sport
Summary:
Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find that one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: P032D-
00 - Knock Sensor 3 Circuit High; P008A-00 - Low Pressure Fuel System Pressure - Too Low; P034C-00 - Ion Sense System Performance; P051B-00 - Crankcase Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance. This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software and replacing the oil vapor recovery tube.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
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