AutoCodes – Subaru – P0160 Subaru

P0160 Subaru Code - HO2S22 No Activity Detected

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 Subaru indicates HO2S22 No Activity Detected.
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 6,611
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0160 Subaru 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 Subaru - HO2S22 No Activity Detected - AutoCodes.com
P0160 Subaru Code - HO2S22 No Activity Detected

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0160 Subaru?

  • 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 Subaru?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0160 Subaru 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.

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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 Subaru Code

What does the OBDII code P0160 mean on a Subaru?

P0160 indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected no activity or signal from the downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S22) on Bank 2.

What are the common symptoms of the P0160 code on a Subaru?

Symptoms may include no noticeable drivability issues, failed emissions tests, decreased fuel efficiency, or the check engine light being illuminated.

What causes the P0160 code to appear on a Subaru?

Common causes include a faulty downstream oxygen sensor (HO2S22), damaged wiring or connectors, exhaust leaks, or a malfunctioning PCM.

Can I drive my Subaru with the P0160 code active?

While the car may remain drivable, prolonged operation with this code can lead to increased emissions, decreased fuel economy, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

How can I diagnose the P0160 code on a Subaru?

Diagnosis typically involves inspecting the oxygen sensor and wiring for damage, checking for exhaust leaks, and testing the sensor's signal with a multimeter or scan tool.

How do I fix the P0160 code on a Subaru?

Repairs may include replacing the faulty oxygen sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, or, in rare cases, reprogramming or replacing the PCM.

How much does it cost to repair the P0160 code on a Subaru?

Replacing the oxygen sensor typically costs $150-$400, depending on parts and labor. Wiring repairs or other fixes may vary in cost.

Can a dirty or clogged catalytic converter cause the P0160 code on a Subaru?

A clogged catalytic converter is not a direct cause of the P0160 code, but it can contribute to oxygen sensor issues by affecting exhaust flow.

How often should the oxygen sensors on a Subaru be replaced to avoid P0160?

Oxygen sensors typically last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but lifespan can vary based on driving conditions and maintenance.

Can a vacuum leak trigger the P0160 code on a Subaru?

A vacuum leak is unlikely to directly trigger the P0160 code, but it may contribute to sensor-related issues if it affects exhaust gas composition.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0160 Subaru OBDII Code

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