O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The P0160 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2). This is a low severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $80 - $300 (O2 sensor $60-$200; labor $50-$150)
Test O2 sensor voltage (should fluctuate 0.1-0.9V). Do not replace a $150 sensor without confirming it is actually bad first.
Shows real-time O2 sensor readings on your phone. See if the sensor is lazy, stuck, or actually working before spending money.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light on
- No significant drivability symptoms
- Catalyst monitor will not complete readiness
- Increased tailpipe emissions
- Emissions test failure
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed O2 sensor producing no signal Very High
- Open circuit in the signal wiring High
- Disconnected or corroded sensor connector Moderate
- O2 sensor heater failure preventing warm-up Moderate
- PCM signal circuit fault Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0160 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2004-2014 Ford F-150/Mustang/Explorer V8 Easy DIY
Bank 2 downstream O2 shows no activity — replace downstream O2 sensor. If the cat is at end of life it also causes no-activity codes. Check for post-cat exhaust leaks that can dilute the sensor.
Labor: 30-45 min2005-2014 GM 5.3L/6.0L (Silverado, Tahoe, Yukon) Easy DIY
Downstream O2 on bank 2 (passenger side post-cat) shows no activity. Replace with an OE-quality ACDelco unit. Verify catalytic converter isn't hollowed out — GM truck cats often fail around 150K miles. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 30-45 min2007-2014 Toyota Tundra/Sequoia/Lexus LX570 5.7L Easy DIY
Bank 2 sensor 2 inactive — replace with an OE-quality Denso unit OEM downstream O2. Verify the cat is not restricted; on high-mileage Toyota V8s, cats can clog from oil burning.
Labor: 30 minFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0160?
Yes, you can drive normally. The downstream sensor on bank 2 is used for catalyst monitoring only and does not affect fuel control or engine performance.
What does no activity detected mean?
The PCM expects the O2 sensor voltage to fluctuate as exhaust conditions change. When the voltage remains fixed and does not move, the PCM determines there is no sensor activity, meaning the sensor is dead or disconnected.
Is P0160 the bank 2 version of P0140?
Yes. P0140 indicates no activity on bank 1 sensor 2, and P0160 is the same fault on bank 2 sensor 2.
What actually makes the computer set an oxygen sensor code?
The OBD II regulation requires four separate detections for an oxygen sensor (Title 13 CCR 1968.2, section (e)(7.2)): deterioration in voltage, response rate or amplitude that would push emissions past 1.5 times the FTP standards; loss of circuit continuity; out-of-range values; and the case where the sensor has degraded enough that the fuel system stops using it and falls back to open loop. A sensor can therefore set a code while still producing a signal that looks plausible on a scan tool. This is the threshold the monitor is designed around, not a description of your specific fault — the regulation says what the system must detect, not how to find it on your vehicle.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Monitor bank 2 sensor 2 voltage on a scan tool. A reading stuck at approximately 0.45V that never fluctuates confirms no sensor activity.
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Check the sensor heater circuit. If the heater has failed, the sensor may never warm up enough to produce a valid signal.
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Disconnect the sensor and verify signal wire continuity from the connector to the PCM.
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Inspect the connector for corrosion, water damage, or pushed-out pins.
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If wiring is intact and the heater works, replace the O2 sensor.
Sources 3
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- California Code of Regulations, Title 13 section 1968.2 (OBD II)malfunction criteria, section (e)
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2015 Toyota Tundra (5.7L V8)
- 2005-2014 Nissan Murano (3.5L V6)
- 2008-2016 Honda Accord V6 (3.5L)
- 2009-2017 Ford Explorer (3.5L V6)
- 2010-2018 GMC Sierra (5.3L V8)
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