P0160 code meaning
O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0160 means
The oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on bank 2 (sensor 2) is a switching sensor used for converter monitoring and downstream mixture trim; it exists only on V and boxer engines with a separate downstream sensor per bank. P0160 means the sensor shows no change in voltage although it is heated and the engine is in closed loop; the control module only sees its own bias voltage, so the circuit is open or high-resistance or the sensor is dead. On GM's 3.0/3.6 V6 the code sets within 15 s after more than 150 s of running; newer GM systems apply 1900 mV and treat above 1700 mV as open; two trips. Ford does not use P0160 and reports 'no activity' as P0156. A failed heater (P0161) can also cause it. The previous obdex title mixed in 'Slow Response', which is P0159. When it fails, the downstream evaluation of that converter is suspended; there is no limp mode.
P0160 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0160
- Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
- Catalyst monitor readiness for bank 2 not set
- Often with P0161 or P0157/P0158
Common causes of P0160
- Most likelySignal or ground wire open or high-resistance, connector corroded
- Most likelySensor dead, poisoned or damaged by thermal shock
- PossibleHeater failed or fuse blown by a heater short
- Less likelySignal wire shorted to voltage
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank2 sensor2Oxygen sensor wiringCatalytic converter
What each part of P0160 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 60 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0160 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0160
What does P0160 mean?
P0160 means "O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2". The oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on bank 2 (sensor 2) is a switching sensor used for converter monitoring and downstream mixture trim; it exists only on V and boxer engines with a separate downstream sensor per bank. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0160?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0160 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0160 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0160 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0160 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.