OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0162 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The ECU detects an electrical fault in the heater circuit of the downstream O2 sensor on bank 2. Heater current out of range — open or shorted heater element, blown fuse, or wiring fault.
Is it safe to drive with P0162?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyHeater element open
- PossibleHeater fuse blown
Symptoms
- Check engine light on after several drive cycles
- Slightly increased fuel consumption during cold start
- Delayed entry into closed-loop fuel control
- Failed emissions inspection (lambda readiness)
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 Fuse, Oxygen Sensor Heater Wiring
Related codes
- P0142O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0147O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
- P0167O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
- P015FExcessive Time to Enter Closed Loop Cylinder Balance Control
- P0160O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
- P0161O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
- P0163O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
- P0164O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
- P0165O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.