Failed or aged Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor, including its internal heater; Damaged, chafed, melted or corroded wiring to the sensor, often near the exhaust; Poor connection at the sensor plug, with corrosion, water ingress or bent terminals; Blown fuse or fault in the heater power or earth supply, where fitted; Exhaust leak near the sensor affecting its readings; Fault in the engine control unit or its sensor circuit driver.

P0162

O2 Sensor Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 3.

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
62: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0162 is the generic code for a fault in the oxygen sensor circuit on Bank 2, Sensor 3. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one, and Sensor 3 is the third sensor on that bank, usually fitted well downstream of the catalyst. The control unit has seen a signal or heater circuit problem with that sensor, such as an implausible voltage or a circuit fault. The exact fault it tests for can vary with the vehicle.

Symptoms

Engine management light on
Usually no noticeable change in driveability
Possible slight rise in fuel consumption on some vehicles
Failed emissions test or readiness monitors not completing
Other oxygen sensor or catalyst codes stored alongside it

Possible causes

Failed or aged Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor, including its internal heaterlikely
Damaged, chafed, melted or corroded wiring to the sensor, often near the exhaustlikely
Poor connection at the sensor plug, with corrosion, water ingress or bent terminalspossible
Blown fuse or fault in the heater power or earth supply, where fittedpossible
Exhaust leak near the sensor affecting its readingspossible
Fault in the engine control unit or its sensor circuit driverrare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data, then check for other oxygen sensor, catalyst or misfire codes.
Confirm which sensor is Bank 2 Sensor 3 for this model and engine, as the layout varies, and check the exhaust has this sensor fitted.
Visually inspect the sensor, wiring and plug for heat damage, chafing, contamination, corrosion and loose fixings.
Check for exhaust leaks around the sensor and joints upstream of it.
Check the relevant fuse and relay for the sensor heater against the wiring diagram for the vehicle.
With the plug disconnected, test the wiring for continuity, short circuits to earth or voltage, and resistance of the heater element against the manufacturer's specification.
Watch the live sensor signal and heater data with a scan tool to see if it responds correctly once warm.
Clear the code and road test to confirm it does not return after the repair.

How to fix

Replace the Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor if it or its heater has failed testing.
Repair or replace damaged wiring and secure it away from hot or moving parts.
Clean or repair the connector, or replace it if the terminals are corroded or damaged.
Replace the blown fuse after finding out why it failed, and repair any heater supply or earth fault.
Repair any exhaust leak near the sensor.

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can normally be driven while you book it in, as this sensor is usually downstream of the catalyst and rarely affects running. Get it fixed soon, as the fault may cause an emissions test failure and can hide other problems.

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