AutoCodes – Generic – P0160

P0160 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means: P0160 indicates O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?: The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

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Code Popularity 43,973

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0160 Description

The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. For optimum catalyst operation, the air fuel mixture (air-fuel ratio) must be maintained near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Engine Control Module (ECM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S generates a voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 V in response to oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas increases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Lean. The ECM interprets Lean when the HO2S voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The ECM interprets Rich when the HO2S voltage is above 0.45 V.

OBDII Code P0160 - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0160 Code - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0160?

Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted
Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 circuit poor electrical connection
Inappropriate fuel pressure
Faulty fuel injectors
Intake air leaks may be faulty
Exhaust gas leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0160?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Replacing the Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 usually takes care of the problem

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0160 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0160 code?

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Information for Specific Makes

P0160 Audi — HO2S22 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected
P0160 BMW — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Buick — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Cadillac — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Chevrolet — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Chrysler — O2 Sensor Stays At Center Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Dodge — O2 Sensor Stays At Center Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 GMC — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Hyundai — HO2S Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Infiniti — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Jaguar — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Jeep — O2 Sensor Stays At Center Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 KIA — HO2S21 Circuit No Activity Detected
P0160 Mazda — HO2S LR Circuit No Activity Detected
P0160 Mercedes-Benz — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 MINI — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Mitsubishi — Cylinder 2-3 Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor No Activity Detected
P0160 Nissan — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Pontiac — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 RAM — O2 Sensor Stays At Center Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Saturn — O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Subaru — HO2S22 No Activity Detected
P0160 Suzuki — HO2S Circuit Insufficient Activity Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0160 Volkswagen — HO2S22 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0160 Code

What does the OBDII code P0160 mean?

P0160 indicates that the oxygen sensor on Bank 2 Sensor 2 is not showing any activity or signal, meaning the sensor or its circuit may be malfunctioning.

What are the common symptoms of code P0160?

Symptoms may include a check engine light, poor fuel economy, higher emissions, or no noticeable symptoms in some cases.

What causes the P0160 code to occur?

Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, exhaust leaks, or issues with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

How can I diagnose the P0160 code?

You can diagnose it by inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, testing the oxygen sensor’s output with a multimeter, and checking for exhaust leaks near Bank 2 Sensor 2.

Can a bad catalytic converter trigger the P0160 code?

Yes, a failing catalytic converter could potentially cause the oxygen sensor to show no activity, leading to the P0160 code.

Can I drive with the P0160 code?

You can drive with this code, but it is not recommended long-term as it may affect fuel efficiency and emissions compliance.

How do I fix the P0160 code?

Repairs may include replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, or reprogramming the PCM if necessary.

How much does it cost to fix the P0160 code?

The repair cost can vary, but replacing an oxygen sensor typically ranges from $150 to $300, including parts and labor.

Can a P0160 code clear itself?

If the issue is intermittent, the code might clear itself after several drive cycles, but the underlying problem will likely persist and return.

What tools are needed to fix the P0160 code?

Tools include an OBDII scanner, a multimeter for testing circuits, basic hand tools for replacing the sensor, and potentially a jack or lift for access.