O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 2 Sensor 2


Table of contents

P0161 ACURA Possible Causes

  • Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Inappropriate fuel pressure
  • Faulty fuel injectors
  • Intake air leaks may be faulty
  • Exhaust gas leaks

How do I fix code P0161 ACURA?

  Check the “Possible Causes” listed above. Visually inspect the related wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and look for broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded connector’s pins.

Tech Notes

  • Replacing the Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 2 usually takes care of the problem

Cost of diagnosing the P0161 ACURA code

  The cost of diagnosing the P0161 ACURA code is 1.0 hour of labor. The auto repair labor rates vary by location, your vehicle’s make and model, and even your engine type. Most auto repairs shops charge between $75 and $150 per hour.

When is the code detected

  Current amperage in the rear heated oxygen sensor heater circuit is out of the normal range.

Possible Symptoms

  • Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
  • High Fuel Consumption
  • Excessive Smoke from Exhaust

P0161 ACURA Description

  The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. For optimum catalyst operation, the air fuel mixture (air-fuel ratio) must be maintained near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Engine Control Module (ECM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S generates a voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 V in response to oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas increases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Lean. The ECM interprets Lean when the HO2S voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The ECM interprets Rich when the HO2S voltage is above 0.45 V.

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