P0160 Oxygen sensor circuit no activity detected (bank 2, sensor 2)
What P0160 means
The engine computer expected the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 2 to produce a signal once the engine was warm, but the signal stayed flat. It cannot monitor the catalytic converter on that bank. Bank 2 is the side of a V6, V8 or boxer engine that does not contain cylinder 1.
P0160 is a generic SAE J2012 code: it means the same on every make. The exact cause still depends on the car, so read the freeze-frame data before replacing parts.
At a glance
- Severity
- Medium
- Typical repair cost
- 80–350 €
- Workshop time
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Repair difficulty
- Easy
- DIY possible
- Yes
- Check engine light
- Yes
- Affects emissions test
- Yes
Parts and labour at an independent workshop in Europe. Main dealers charge more; the cause decides the bill, not the code.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable change in how the car drives
- Catalyst readiness monitor not completing
- Possible failed emissions test at inspection
Common causes
- Dead downstream oxygen sensor
- Open signal wire or unplugged connector
- Failed sensor heater keeping the sensor too cold
- Wiring melted against the exhaust
Can I keep driving with P0160?
You can keep driving, but have it checked within one to two weeks. The engine is rarely affected, but the catalyst check cannot run and the car may fail its emissions inspection.
What to check first
- Check for a heater code for the same sensor (P0161) and repair that first.
- Make sure the connector is plugged in and the wiring is intact.
- Watch the live signal on a fully warm engine after a few minutes of driving.
- Replace the sensor if the wiring is good but the signal stays flat.
Related codes
- P0161 Oxygen sensor heater circuit (bank 2, sensor 2)
- P0158 Oxygen sensor circuit high voltage (bank 2, sensor 2)
- P0157 Oxygen sensor circuit low voltage (bank 2, sensor 2)
- P0156 Oxygen sensor circuit (bank 2, sensor 2)
- P0155 Oxygen sensor heater circuit (bank 2, sensor 1)
- P0153 Oxygen sensor slow response (bank 2 sensor 1)
- P0152 Oxygen sensor circuit high voltage (bank 2, sensor 1)
- P0151 Oxygen sensor circuit low voltage (bank 2, sensor 1)
Data: TORKO fault-code catalogue, built on OBDex (CC0-1.0) and reviewed against workshop practice. Informational only — it does not replace a diagnosis by a mechanic.
Updated: