P0160O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- 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.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
- Catalyst monitor readiness for bank 2 not set
- Often with P0161 or P0157/P0158
- Likely causes
- LikelySignal or ground wire open or high-resistance, connector corroded
- LikelySensor dead, poisoned or damaged by thermal shock
- PossibleHeater failed or fuse blown by a heater short
- RareSignal wire shorted to voltage
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Easy · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €60 – €250
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.