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AutoCodes – Generic – P2161

P2161 Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent

Quick Answer

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) provides vehicle speed information to the Engine Control Module (ECM). Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P2161 indicates Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS), Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted, Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 17,212
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 08, 2022
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Code P2161 Description

The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) provides vehicle speed information to the Engine Control Module (ECM). The VSS is a permanent magnet generator. The sensor is mounted in the transfer case facing the rear internal gear which is splined to the output shaft assembly. As the output shaft and internal gear rotate, the toothed rotor of the internal gear produces AC voltage as the rotor teeth pass through the magnetic field of the sensor. The AC voltage level and the number of pulses increase as the speed of the vehicle increases. The ECM converts the voltage to vehicle speed. The ECM uses the output shaft speed signal to determine shift timing, as well as transfer case range. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when there is a loss of speed signal from the transfer case speed sensor.
OBDII Code P2161 - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent - AutoCodes.com
P2161 Code - Vehicle Speed Sensor 2 Circuit Intermittent
What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P2161?

  • Faulty Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS)
  • Vehicle Speed Sensor harness is open or shorted
  • Vehicle Speed Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P2161?

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





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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P2161 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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Information for Specific Makes

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 P2161 Code

No Frequently Asked Questions about P2161 Code found.

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  • Have a 2003 dodge truck with code p2161 was told speed sensor B what is the B standing for.

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  • Hi I have a dodge truck with a fault code P2161 I'm getting two posable bad voltage on injector or a bad speed sensor, any help with this?

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