P0163 code meaning
O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 3
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0163 means
Sensor 3 on bank 2 is a switching oxygen sensor behind a second converter or converter brick. It is rare – documented for Jaguar Land Rover's supercharged V6 and V8 (2013–2016), where it is the 'post-cat' sensor of the second bank, and for Ford systems that monitor part of the converter volume. P0163 means the signal stays close to 0 V – typically the signal wire is shorted to ground; on some modules an open circuit is also reported this way, and an exhaust leak ahead of the sensor can make it read lean. For the bank 2 sensor 2 counterpart GM uses below 50 mV within 50 s, Ford a pull-up resistance check (short below 10 Ω, open above 1 MΩ). Jaguar Land Rover assigns the code to that sensor and names software (fixed by reconfiguring the engine module) and water-induced thermal shock as causes; no thresholds are published for sensor 3, so the logic follows the sensor 2 checks. When it fails, the downstream evaluation of that converter is suspended; there is no limp mode.
P0163 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 P0163
- Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
- Catalyst readiness incomplete
- Usually no noticeable change in driving
Common causes of P0163
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to ground (chafed or melted)
- PossibleSensor faulty
- PossibleExhaust leak ahead of the sensor (apparently lean)
- Less likelyEngine module software (Jaguar Land Rover)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank2 sensor3Oxygen sensor wiringCatalytic converter
What each part of P0163 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. |
| 63 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0163 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 P0163
What does P0163 mean?
P0163 means "O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 3". Sensor 3 on bank 2 is a switching oxygen sensor behind a second converter or converter brick. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0163?
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 P0163 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0163 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 P0163 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 P0163 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.