P0160: O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
Can you still drive? Yes, you can drive safely. The main risk is increased emissions and reduced fuel economy over time.
What Does P0160 Mean?
Code P0160 means the ECM has detected that the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 2 is not producing any voltage signal or is stuck at a fixed voltage. This sensor is critical for monitoring catalytic converter performance, and a complete lack of activity points to a failed sensor or open circuit.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Failed oxygen sensor
- Broken or disconnected wiring to the sensor
- Corroded sensor connector
- Blown fuse in the O2 sensor circuit
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Poor fuel economy
- Increased exhaust emissions
- Possible sulfur smell from exhaust
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Read freeze frame data for conditions when the code set
- 2Check O2 sensor voltage with a scan tool to confirm no activity
- 3Inspect the wiring harness and connector for damage
- 4Test sensor heater circuit resistance with a multimeter
- 5Replace the sensor if wiring is intact and no signal is present
Recommended Parts & Tools
oxygen sensor
electrical contact cleaner
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $100 - $300 |
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Chat with AI About P0160Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
1 Active Recall — 2026 Ford F-150
The following NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for this vehicle. Contact your dealer to check if your vehicle is affected.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes an O2 sensor to show no activity?
The sensor has likely failed internally, or there is a break in the wiring preventing the signal from reaching the ECM. A corroded connector is also a common cause.
Is P0160 the same as a bad catalytic converter?
No, P0160 indicates the sensor itself is not working. However, a non-functional sensor cannot properly monitor your catalytic converter.
Community Fix Reports
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