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.
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.
Related codes
Often seen with P0160
Read & clear P0160 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX