What Is the P0650 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0650 code indicates that something has malfunctioned within the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), also called the check engine light. This can be a bit ironic because the MIL is what lets the driver know that something has gone wrong within the vehicle, so having the MIL itself malfunction can make it difficult to know whether anything else is going wrong. There’s a process the vehicle goes through to validate the MIL, and if that validation doesn’t occur, it will store this code.
More About the P0650 Code
Every time you turn on your car, you probably notice that the MIL light illuminates for a few seconds, then turns off. This is how the vehicle checks to make sure the MIL is working properly. If the MIL doesn’t light up at all when you turn your vehicle on, then it’s likely an indication that the light isn’t working properly, and this can cause the vehicle to store the error code. The vehicle is checking for a specific voltage going through the lamp’s filament, and if it doesn’t see that for whatever reason, it will set this code.
Who Has the Lowest Price?
Some service centers will give you an online estimate to compare. Why drive around Town!?
What Are the Symptoms of a P0650 Code?
The two symptoms of the P0650 code are either the MIL not turning on when it needs to or the MIL being illuminated when it doesn’t need to be. Occasionally, you might see the MIL turning on and off erratically. If you notice that the MIL is on, then off, then on again more than once or twice, then you should assume that you’re experiencing some kind of malfunction with the MIL.
What Are Some Causes of a P0650 Code?
There are a number of causes for this code, ranging from incredibly easy to fix to a bit more difficult to fix. A burnt-out MIL bulb is possibly the most common cause, and it’s possible to fix the problem simply by replacing that bulb. Circuit problems are also possible; damaged wiring and poor connections can cut power to the MIL as well. In rare cases, it may be due to a failing instrument cluster or faulty PCM, although you should expect more codes than just the P0650 if this is the case.
How Serious Is the P0650 Code?
The P0650 code is certainly not immediately serious; at the very least, you don’t need to worry about your car breaking down underneath you. The main concern with the P0650 code is that you won’t be able to tell when the MIL should turn on for important things, such as when your vehicle is having a different problem unrelated to the check engine light. By fixing this problem, you’ll know when there’s another problem happening because the MIL will be able to turn on.
Can I Still Drive with a P0650 Code?
The P0650 code will not cause any drivability problems on its own, so if this is the only code you’re experiencing, you can still drive with the code. However, as previously noted, you should avoid driving for long periods of time with the code. It’s your engine’s first line of defense to let you know that there’s a problem, after all.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0650 Code?
The code diagnosis for the P0650 code is usually fairly simple. There are really only a few issues that will usually lead to a P0650 code, and the most common ones are not very difficult to discover. However, if you’re not well-versed in auto repair, it can be a bit difficult to get in and actually fix the problem.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0650 Code?
The inspection process is where you’ll find a problem with the P0650 code as a DIYer. The inside of your vehicle is full of all sorts of wires; knowing where the MIL wires are and how to check and replace them can be very difficult. If you’re just a general auto hobbyist, you should let an expert inspect this code to fix the problem.
Need Additional Help with Your P0650 Code?
Every vehicle will need different steps to handle the P0650 code. Although this isn’t a very scary code to fix, it can be a bit labor-intensive, and you’ll need to know how to fix the problem in your specific vehicle, which can add an extra layer of difficulty to the process. Instead of just trying to fix it yourself, you may want to talk to an expert.
Kelley can help you with this process by making it easier to find a repair shop in your area. No matter your car’s make or model or the problems you’re experiencing, Kelley makes it super simple to find a local repair shop that can help.
Additionally, it’s possible that your vehicle may be throwing more codes than just this. If you want to learn more about OBD-II codes, then check out the OBD-II database at KBB to get more insight into diagnostic codes.
P0650 Q&A
Common Error Codes
Browse All OBD-II Codes
Get Recall Alerts
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.