Failed internal heater element in the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor; Damaged, chafed or melted wiring to the sensor heater, often near the exhaust; Corroded, loose or contaminated sensor connector terminals; Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the heater circuit (depends on model); Fault in the heater driver circuit inside the engine control unit; Wiring harness short to earth or to voltage elsewhere along its run.

P0060

HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Low severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
0: AreaFuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls
60: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0060 is the generic code for a fault in the heater circuit resistance of the downstream oxygen sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 2) as defined by SAE J2012. The control unit monitors the heater's resistance or current and sets the code when it falls outside the expected range, which points to an open circuit, a short or a failed heater element. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.

Symptoms

Engine warning light on
Usually no noticeable change in driveability
Slightly slower catalyst monitor readiness or monitor not completing
Possible emissions test failure due to incomplete monitors
Other oxygen sensor heater or catalyst codes stored alongside it

Possible causes

Failed internal heater element in the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensorlikely
Damaged, chafed or melted wiring to the sensor heater, often near the exhaustlikely
Corroded, loose or contaminated sensor connector terminalspossible
Blown fuse or faulty relay supplying the heater circuit (depends on model)possible
Fault in the heater driver circuit inside the engine control unitrare
Wiring harness short to earth or to voltage elsewhere along its runrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, including engine temperature and mileage
Visually inspect the Bank 2 Sensor 2 wiring and connector for damage, heat marks, rubbing and corrosion
Confirm which side is Bank 2 and that the sensor identified is the downstream one, using the model's service information
Check the fuse and relay for the oxygen sensor heater circuit, where fitted, against the wiring diagram
Measure the heater resistance across the sensor's heater terminals with the sensor unplugged and compare with the manufacturer's specification
Check for battery supply and a good earth or control signal at the harness connector with the ignition on, following the wiring diagram
Check the heater circuit wiring for continuity and for shorts to earth or voltage
If the sensor and wiring test good, check the control unit's heater driver output and see if a software update applies to that model

How to fix

Replace the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor if the heater resistance is out of specification
Repair or replace damaged wiring and secure it away from hot or moving parts
Clean or replace corroded connector terminals or the connector itself
Replace the blown fuse or faulty relay after finding out why it failed
Repair or replace the control unit only if the driver fault is confirmed, and apply any available calibration update where it is a known cause

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven as the downstream sensor mainly monitors the catalyst, but book it in soon as the fault will keep the warning light on and may cause an emissions test failure.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.