OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The ECU detects no switching or too slow a response from the downstream O2 sensor on bank 2. Often aged or poisoned sensor; downstream sensors usually flat but must respond on diagnostic monitor runs.
Is it safe to drive with P0160?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelySensor aged or poisoned
- PossibleHeater circuit weak
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible rough idle or hesitation
- Failed emissions test
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Oxygen Sensor B2s2, Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit, Catalytic Converter Bank2
Related codes
- P0134O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
- P0140O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0146O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
- P0154O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P0166O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
- P015DO2 Sensor Delayed Response - Lean to Rich Bank 2 Sensor 1
- P015EExcessive Time to Enter Closed Loop Fuel Timing Control
- P015FExcessive Time to Enter Closed Loop Cylinder Balance Control
- P0161O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
- P0162O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
- P0163O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.