C0500 Imperial Le Baron Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0500 Imperial Le Baron code definition:
C0500 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Imperial Le Baron.

C0500 Imperial Le Baron is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This means there's a problem in the front oxygen sensor on Bank 1, as the O2 sensor is inactive. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0500 Imperial Le Baron diagnostic trouble code may include:

Possible spark knock (detonation / pre-ignition)
Poor fuel economy
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly
Engine surge

Possible Causes :

Rusty exhaust systems, cracked exhaust manifolds or damaged or missing gaskets or donuts will cause air leaks.
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code
Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

Replace the oxygen sensor that is downstream from the catalytic converter on the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder #1. Also, if a oxygen sensor code stating "heater circuit malfunction" the sensor has most probably failed. If you find a related TSB, the information will often help in diagnosing the code in question as TSBs are crested from many thousands of repairs. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0500 Imperial Le Baron is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C0500 Imperial Le Baron.

Fortunately, C0500 Imperial Le Baron is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.