AutoCodes – Dodge – P0161 Dodge

P0161 Dodge Code - O2 Sensor 2/2 Heater Performance

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: P0161 Dodge indicates O2 Sensor 2/2 Heater Performance.
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 24,880

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

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
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0161 Dodge 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 P0161 Dodge - O2 Sensor 2/2 Heater Performance - AutoCodes.com — P0161 Dodge Code - O2 Sensor 2/2 Heater Performance

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0161 Dodge?

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
Exhaust gas leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0161 Dodge?

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 P0161 Dodge 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 P0161 Dodge Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about P0161 Dodge Code found.

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Daniel Guzmán Sagredo
Date: March 18, 2017 at 7:59 pm

Can i still use my dodge durango for a while with this problem?

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OBDIITech
Date: May 17, 2017 at 4:07 am

Yes, not a problem.

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Anita Griffin
Date: November 22, 2018 at 12:10 am

I have replaced this s sensor along with all spark plugs, could it be something. Else or the sensor is bad?

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OBDIITech
Date: November 22, 2018 at 4:29 pm

What model and year is your vehicle? how long ago did you replaced the Rear Oxygen Sensor?

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Anita Griffin
Date: November 25, 2018 at 1:56 pm

2006 dodge durango limited. The sensor was changed not more than a month ago.and plugs and ignition .Coil changed 4 days ago

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OBDIITech
Date: November 26, 2018 at 12:35 am

The next step is to check for exhaust leaks, any leaks could cause and improper Oxygen Sensor reading. If no leaks are found, then you have a problem with the sensor or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

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