Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering

P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

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.

Likely causes

Signal or ground wire open or high-resistance, connector corroded
Sensor dead, poisoned or damaged by thermal shock
Heater failed or fuse blown by a heater short
Signal wire shorted to voltage

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
  • Catalyst monitor readiness for bank 2 not set
  • Often with P0161 or P0157/P0158

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–250
Time0.3–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

oxygen sensor bank2 sensor2oxygen sensor wiringcatalytic converter

Related codes

P0140P0156P0157P0158P0159P0161

References: law.cornell.edu, saabwisonline.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, static.nhtsa.gov.