P0160🌫 Emissions / oxygen sensorsDrive with caution, fix soon

P0160: O2 Sensor No Activity, Bank 2 Sensor 2 (Meaning, Causes, Fixes)

Reviewed 2026-10-23 · Based on 2 cited source(s)

What P0160 means

The Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor sits after the catalytic converter on bank 2, and the engine computer compares it with the front sensors to judge how well that converter is working. OBD-Codes.com explains that the computer supplies the sensor a reference of about half a volt, which the sensor pulls between about 0.1 and 0.9 volts depending on the oxygen in the exhaust: lean exhaust lowers the voltage and rich exhaust raises it. A rear sensor normally switches more slowly and less than a front one, but OBD-Codes.com says that if it sticks or switches too few times in a set period, P0160 can set. RepairPal defines the code as O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected and says it sets when the computer detects a failure of the sensor or of the information it receives from it. RepairPal's page doesn't name the bank or sensor position, while OBD-Codes.com and the standard code definition place it at Bank 2 Sensor 2. Bank 2 exists only on V6, V8 and other engines with two cylinder banks. P0140 is the same code for the rear sensor on bank 1.

Severity: can I keep driving?

Drive with caution, fix soon

Usually drivable for now, but get it checked soon. RepairPal rates P0160 Moderate: not an immediate threat to safety or the car, but it should be diagnosed within a reasonable time. OBD-Codes.com gives no severity rating and says the car may idle or drive poorly and use more fuel.

Common symptoms

Likely causes

Roughly most to least common, based on the sources below. Your vehicle may differ.

  1. Failed Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor (both sources)
  2. Exhaust leak or holes in the exhaust near the rear sensor (both sources)
  3. Wiring problems such as a melted harness or broken connectors (both sources)
  4. No power or ground to the sensor's heater, which can make it sluggish (OBD-Codes.com; usually other codes are set too)
  5. Failed engine computer (PCM), which is the last thing to suspect (both sources)

Diagnostic steps you can do

⚠ Before you start

Work on a cool engine, parked on level ground with the parking brake set. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.

  1. Read all stored codes. If oxygen sensor heater codes such as P0161 are also set, OBD-Codes.com says diagnose that problem first.
  2. Look over the exhaust near the bank 2 rear sensor for holes or leaks, and check that the sensor's wiring isn't touching or melted by exhaust parts.
  3. Warm the engine up and watch the Bank 2 Sensor 2 voltage on a scan tool. OBD-Codes.com notes a rear sensor often switches very little, so raise the engine to a fast idle and recheck; if it starts switching only then, the sensor may be sluggish.
  4. If the sensor looks contaminated with coolant or oil, OBD-Codes.com says replace it.
  5. With the key on and engine off and the sensor unplugged, check for 12 volts and a good ground at the heater. OBD-Codes.com then describes jumping the sensor signal to sensor ground: if the reading drops low, replace the sensor; if it stays stuck, look for wiring faults between the sensor and the engine computer.

Typical fixes

Repair costs vary widely by vehicle, region, parts brand and shop, so we don't quote prices. Get a written estimate after diagnosis.

🛠 When to call a pro

  • A new sensor didn't fix it; one OBD-Codes.com forum thread describes a sensor replaced twice without curing P0160
  • The signal wire checks out but the reading still won't change, pointing toward the engine computer
  • The car idles or drives poorly, or you also have catalytic converter codes such as P0430
  • You need to pass an emissions inspection soon

Where to buy

Plain search links. Always match parts to your exact year, make, model and engine.

OBD2 scanners on Amazon Parts at Advance Auto Parts catalog at RockAuto

FAQs

Can I drive with P0160?

Usually, for a while. RepairPal rates it Moderate, meaning it may not threaten safety right away but should be diagnosed within a reasonable time. OBD-Codes.com says the car may idle or drive poorly and burn more fuel.

Where is the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor?

It is in the exhaust just after the catalytic converter on bank 2, the side of the engine that does not have cylinder 1. Only engines with two cylinder banks, such as V6 and V8 engines, have a bank 2.

Does P0160 always mean a bad oxygen sensor?

No. Both sources also list exhaust leaks, wiring problems and, rarely, the engine computer. OBD-Codes.com also notes a rear sensor naturally switches very little, so check it at a fast idle and test the heater power and wiring before replacing it.

What's the difference between P0160 and P0140?

They mean the same thing for different sides of the engine. P0140 is the rear oxygen sensor on bank 1, and P0160 is the rear oxygen sensor on bank 2.

How much does it cost to fix P0160?

Neither source gives a repair cost for P0160. It depends on whether the fix is an exhaust leak, wiring or a new sensor, so get it diagnosed first.

Sources

  1. OBD-Codes.com: P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
  2. RepairPal: P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit no Activity Detected (rated Moderate)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23. Code definitions and repair steps can vary by manufacturer. Confirm with your vehicle's service information.