OBD Code P0161

O2 Sensor Heater Circuit

What’s mean?

OBD2 Code P0161 Definition:
It basically means the PCM detected either an excessive current draw, or an open or short in the circuit powering the oxygen sensor’s heater circuit. This is in reference to the Heated Oxygen Sensor (2) located rear of catalytic converter (Bank 2).

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of P0161
There will likely be no obvious symptoms other than MIL illumination.

Possible Causes

Possible causes of P0161
A code P0161 may mean that one or more of the following has happened: HO2S heater power circuit open HO2S heater ground circuit open HO2S signal tracking (due to oil or moisture in the connector) HO2S is damaged or has failed PCM has failed

Possible Solutions

Replace HO2 Sensor Repair open or short in power circuit Repair open or short in ground circuit Repair damaged connector due to tracking