P0160
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected 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
- 1
- AreaFuel and air metering
- 60
- FaultThe specific fault in that area
What it means
P0160 means the engine control unit has detected no activity from the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 2, sensor 2, which sits after the catalytic converter. The signal stayed flat or did not change as expected, or the circuit was open, so the sensor could not be used to monitor catalyst efficiency. Bank 2 is the side of the engine opposite cylinder number one.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Usually no noticeable change in driving
- Possible failed emissions test or readiness monitors not completing
- Slightly higher fuel consumption in some cases
- Other exhaust or oxygen sensor codes stored alongside it
Possible causes
- Failed or aged downstream oxygen sensor (bank 2, sensor 2)likely
- Damaged, chafed, melted or corroded sensor wiring or connectorlikely
- Open circuit or short in the sensor heater or signal circuit, or a blown fuse feeding the heaterpossible
- Exhaust leak near the sensor affecting its readingspossible
- Sensor contaminated by oil, coolant or fuel additivespossible
- Fault in the engine control unit sensor input circuitrare
How to diagnose
- Read all stored codes and freeze frame data to see engine temperature, load and speed when the fault set, and note any related codes.
- Confirm which side is bank 2 for this engine, as the layout depends on the model and engine.
- Visually inspect the sensor wiring and connector for heat damage, chafing, corrosion and a loose or pushed-out terminal.
- Check the fuse and relay supplying the sensor heater, using the wiring diagram for the vehicle.
- Inspect the exhaust for leaks upstream of and around the sensor.
- With the engine warm, view live data for bank 2 sensor 2 and check whether the signal moves or stays fixed, and compare it with bank 1 sensor 2.
- Measure sensor heater resistance and the supply, earth and signal circuits against the manufacturer specification.
- Check for contamination signs on the sensor and look for engine faults such as oil or coolant consumption.
How to fix
- Repair or replace damaged wiring, terminals or connectors.
- Replace a blown fuse only after finding and fixing the cause of the failure.
- Replace the downstream oxygen sensor if it is faulty or the heater has failed.
- Repair exhaust leaks around the sensor.
- Fix the source of contamination, such as oil or coolant entering the exhaust, before fitting a new sensor.
- Clear the code and complete a drive cycle to confirm the fault does not return.
Can I keep driving?
Low severity
The car is normally safe to keep driving for a short time, as this sensor mainly monitors catalyst performance. Book it in soon, since the fault may hide other problems and could cause an emissions test failure.
Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.