help, im getting code 161: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 2) whats causing this and what do i need to fix this malfunction?
thanks!

01 chevrolet corvette ZO6
heads & cam
TPIS intake & TB
LG motorsport longtubes
Much much more..............

 

???

 

i got the DREADED 161 with my long tubes also...

STILL havent gotten it resolved yet...lou has offered to fix it, if i drive it to dallas...

here is what i know
it could be a loose ground wire
it could be a bad connection to your o2
it could be that your o2s are crossed (but i think you would know that right away, because, my car didnt run right)
it could be that one of them got disconnected (not sure what bank 1 is...left or right)...

my bottom line is...be happy you can drive it!!!! (mine wasnt driveable for a few months)

-alf

 

thanks for the info, does anyone else hane any info?????????

 

I believe you are referring to code P0161. Does it have a H or HC suffix behind the numbers. If it is an H it is intermittent if it is a C it is constant. The code is caused by the passenger side rear oxygen sensor. Since all 3 other sensors seem to be okay my guess is damage to that sensor or a bad connection. Here is more information:


The PCM supplies a bias voltage of approximately 450 mV on the Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) signal high and low circuits. When you turn the ignition to the ON position, battery voltage is supplied to the HO2S heater. As the heater reaches the operating temperature, the HO2S voltage responds by changing from a bias voltage range to the normal operation. Typically, as the HO2S reaches the operating temperature, the HO2S voltage goes from a bias voltage to a voltage below 300 mV . Depending on the exhaust gas content, it is possible for the HO2S voltage to go above 450 mV .

The PCM runs the heater test only on a cold start (depends on the cumulative air flow) and only once an ignition cycle. When you start the engine the PCM monitors the HO2S voltage. When the HO2S voltage goes above or below the bias range threshold, the PCM determines how much time it took. If the PCM detects that the process took too much time for the HO2S to enter into normal operating range, a DTC sets. The time the process takes the HO2S to reach operating temperature is based on the amount of air flow into the engine.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC


DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0200, P0335, P0336, P0351-P0358, P1120, P1220, P1221, P1258 are not set.
The intake air temperature and the engine coolant temperature are less than 50°C (122°F) and are within 8°C (14.5°F) of each other at engine start up.
The ignition voltage is between 10 volts and 18 volts .
The AIR and the Catalyst diagnoses are not active.
CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The HO2S voltage remains between 300 mV and 700 mV for a predetermined amount of time, depending on the engine coolant temperature and the air flow.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS


The PCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the PCM records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The PCM writes the conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.
CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC


The PCM turns the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) OFF after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
A last test failed (current DTC) clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures.
Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL/DTC.
DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

IMPORTANT:


Remove any debris from the PCM/TAC module connector surfaces before servicing the PCM/TAC module. Inspect the PCM/TAC module connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the modules. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM/TAC modules.
For any test that requires probing the PCM or a component harness connector, use the Connector Test Adapter kit J 35616-A. Using this kit prevents damage to the harness/component terminals. Refer to Using Connector Test Adapters in Diagrams.
The heater diagnostic will only run on a cold start and run once per ignition cycle.
An oxygen supply inside the HO2S is necessary for proper operation. The HO2S wires provides the supply of oxygen. Inspect the HO2S wires and connections for breaks or contamination. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Diagrams.
For an intermittent condition, refer to Symptoms. See: Diagnostic Information and Procedures\Symptoms
TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.


The engine must be allowed to cool, as the HO2S may be at operating temperature and no drop or rise in HO2S voltage would occur. If the HO2S voltage stays between 300-700 mV indicates the HO2S heater is inoperative.
If more than one HO2S beater DTC is set, this is a good indication that the HO2S fuse is open. Test all the related circuits going to all of the heated oxygen sensors for a short to ground. If all wiring is OK, it may be necessary to disconnect each HO2S one at a time to locate a shorted sensor.
Lower the exhaust system to gain sufficient access to the HO2S and/or the HO2S connector if necessary. This step verifies whether the B+ supply is available at the sensor.
This step verifies whether a ground is available at the sensor.
This step verifies whether the HO2S heater element is internally open.
Inspect the ignition feed circuits at the Underhood Electrical Center for poor connections.
Inspect the splice pack for the ground circuits for an open circuit. A condition at the splice pack sets more than one heater DTC.

 

I had the same issue a few times along with a host of other electrical issues and resolved it by doing the following:

Please check out my post. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=896875

Hope this solves your problems!

BC