P0160

O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 2 Sensor 2

Fuel & air metering (O2 sensor) Generic OBD-II Medium

What it means

P0160 means the downstream (post-catalyst) oxygen sensor on bank 2 isn't showing any activity — its signal is flat. This sensor watches catalytic-converter performance rather than controlling fuel, so the car drives normally. The practical effect is a failed emissions monitor. It's usually a dead sensor, a wiring fault, or an open heater circuit.

Medium

Can I keep driving? Yes — this is a downstream (post-catalyst) sensor, so the car drives normally; the main effect is a failed emissions monitor.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

307

scans in the past year

Found in

0.1%

of scans

0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0160 scans

P0140in 54.1% of scans

P0401in 30.6% of scans

P0452in 23.1% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Failed emissions test or an incomplete catalyst readiness monitor
Little or no change in how the car drives

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed downstream oxygen sensor on bank 2 — the most common causeLikely
Open or shorted wiring or a poor connector at the sensorCommon
Blown fuse or open heater circuit keeping the sensor coldCommon
Exhaust leak near the sensorLess often
Rarely, a faulty ECMLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and check the bank 2 sensor 2 signal — a flat, inactive trace confirms no activity.
Inspect the sensor's connector, wiring, and heater circuit fuse for opens or damage.
Check for exhaust leaks near the downstream sensor and repair them.
If wiring and power are good but the sensor stays inactive, replace the downstream O2 sensor.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0160?+

Yes. This is a post-catalyst monitoring sensor, so it doesn't change how the engine runs. It mainly stops the catalyst monitor from completing and will fail emissions.

Can I just clear P0160?+

It comes back once the ECM checks the sensor again unless the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P0160 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX