P0167 — 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)

P0167 — 02 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3). A fault in the sensor and actuator circuits. The car is usually drivable while you plan the repair. Typical causes: blown fuse feeding the circuit, faulty sensor or actuator of the affected circuit, corroded, loose or damaged connector.

powertrain (engine/transmission)

Is it safe to drive?

Repair promptly; limited driving is generally acceptable P0167 usually does not create an immediate safety hazard, and short trips may be driven if the engine runs smoothly. Prompt repair is still needed because the malfunction can affect fuel trims, emissions readiness, and catalyst protection. Stop driving if the check-engine light flashes or the engine stalls or misfires severely.

Typical symptoms

The check-engine light illuminates and the scanner stores P0167 for the Bank 2 Sensor 3 heater circuit.
Many vehicles continue to drive normally because P0167 is primarily an emissions-monitoring fault.
On vehicles using this sensor for closed-loop control, noticeable fuel-trim corrections or reduced fuel economy may occur.
A rough idle, hesitation, or unstable running may develop if the affected sensor is used by the ECU for mixture correction.
An emissions monitor may remain incomplete, and P0167 may appear with a catalytic-monitor code.

Common causes

A failed internal heater element in the heated O2 sensor identified by P0167 as Bank 2 Sensor 3.
A corroded, loose, or heat-damaged sensor connector causing high resistance in the heater circuit.
Open, crushed, or high-resistance wiring, or a short to power or ground in the Bank 2 sensor harness.
A blown fuse or failed relay or load-control circuit supplying the oxygen sensor heater.
An ECM or PCM driver-stage fault or defective control ground that operates the heater incorrectly.
A sensor or connector damaged during a previous replacement, leaving the heater circuit open.

How to diagnose with an OBD scanner

Confirm P0167 with an OBD2 scanner Connect an OBD2 scanner using an ELM327 adapter or AIScanAuto, then check stored, pending, and permanent codes. Confirm P0167, record freeze-frame data, and review live sensor voltage, heater test data, and fuel trims if the scanner supports those PIDs.
Locate and inspect the sensor circuit Use the wiring diagram to identify heated O2 Sensor 3 on exhaust Bank 2, which is often a rear or downstream sensor. Inspect its connector, socket pins, wire routing, and nearby exhaust components for corrosion, heat damage, oil contamination, or a disconnected plug.
Test power, control, and wiring Check the applicable fuse, relay, and heater power feed. Back-probe the sensor connector with the key on and compare both heater terminals with the schematic. Verify the specified supply voltage and ECU-commanded ground or control signal, then check for opens, shorts, and excessive resistance.
Isolate the sensor heater Disconnect battery power and unplug the sensor before measuring heater-element resistance. Compare the reading with the service-manual specification; an open element confirms an internal sensor failure, while a short may indicate damaged sensor circuitry. Do not replace the sensor solely from the P0167 code.
Repair and verification Repair the confirmed fault, which may be the sensor, connector terminals, harness, fuse, relay, or ECU driver. Clear P0167 with the scanner, perform a complete drive cycle, confirm the heater command and sensor data are normal, and verify that P0167 does not return.

Approximate repair cost

A typical independent-shop range for diagnosing and repairing P0167 is approximately USD $200–$700. This generally includes diagnostic labor plus a Bank 2 Sensor 3 O2 sensor, connector repair, or limited wiring work; ECM or PCM work can cost more. Figures are estimates and vary by region.

Common questions

Is P0167 always a bad oxygen sensor?

No. P0167 identifies a fault in the heater circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 3; the sensor element, connector, wiring, fuse, relay, or ECU driver can each be responsible.

Can I keep driving with P0167?

Usually, yes for limited driving if the engine runs normally, but the fault can affect emissions and fuel trims. Repair it promptly, and stop if the check-engine light flashes or the engine misfires.

What is Bank 2 Sensor 3 on P0167?

It is the third heated oxygen-sensor position on exhaust Bank 2. It is often a rear or downstream sensor, but numbering and routing vary, so confirm its location with the vehicle wiring diagram.

What should be checked before replacing the sensor?

First read P0167 with an OBD2 scanner, then inspect the connector, wiring, fuse, and relay. Test heater supply, the control side, and sensor resistance so the correct component is repaired.

When your scan tool returns code P0167, the engine computer has identified a fault within the heating element circuit of the downstream oxygen sensor on the second bank of cylinders. This particular sensor sits after the catalytic converter, and its built-in heater gets the sensor up to operating temperature much faster than ambient heat alone could. The control unit watches this circuit continuously; when the heater's electrical characteristics drift outside the factory parameters for a sustained period, P0167 gets stored and the Check Engine lamp illuminates.

Understanding the sensor location matters here. Bank 2 refers to the engine bank that does not contain cylinder one — on V-type engines this is the passenger side in most configurations. Sensor 3 always denotes the downstream position, meaning it monitors exhaust gases after they have passed through the catalytic converter. Confusing upstream and downstream sensor positions is one of the most frequent errors DIY technicians make when addressing oxygen sensor codes, so verify the physical placement before ordering any parts.

The engine control module logs P0167 once the fault has been present long enough to trigger a confirmed failure across multiple drive cycles. Freeze frame data accompanies the stored code, recording engine RPM, load percentage, coolant temperature, and vehicle speed at the exact moment the malfunction was detected. This snapshot is invaluable during diagnosis because it lets you recreate the driving conditions that caused the failure.

Symptoms of P0167

The Check Engine Light remains illuminated on the dashboard
Fuel economy may decline noticeably during daily driving
The affected sensor circuit may stop functioning entirely until the fault clears
In some vehicle applications, the engine management system reverts to limp-home mode, limiting power output
The downstream sensor's readings become unavailable to the fuel and emissions control strategies
Occasional or intermittent operation of the affected circuit

Common Causes

A blown fuse protecting the oxygen sensor heater circuit on Bank 2
Corrosion, looseness, or physical damage at the sensor's electrical connector
An open circuit or short-to-ground somewhere in the heater wiring harness
The engine control module's internal driver for the sensor heater has failed
Wear or internal failure of the sensor's heating element itself
Poor ground connection at the sensor or along the related circuit

Diagnosing P0167

Connect your OBD2 scanner, retrieve code P0167, and record the freeze frame data before clearing anything — this snapshot reveals exactly what conditions triggered the fault.
Scan for any additional trouble codes; related electrical or sensor codes often point toward the root cause rather than the symptom.
Consult manufacturer technical service bulletins for your specific make and model — the manufacturer may have published a known fix, software update, or revised part number for this exact code.
Perform a thorough visual inspection of the Bank 2 Sensor 3 wiring harness and connector, looking for chafed insulation, broken strands, moisture intrusion, or bent pins.
With the connector unplugged, measure reference voltage, ground integrity, and heater circuit resistance at the sensor pigtail to verify the electrical values fall within specifications.
Clear P0167, complete a drive cycle that reproduces the freeze frame conditions (similar RPM, load, and temperature), and verify the code does not return.

Repair Options and Costs

The actual repair depends entirely on which component is confirmed faulty after testing:

Wiring harness or connector repair: $80–$250
Replacement of the faulty downstream sensor or related actuator: $150–$500
Control module diagnosis and repair: $300–$1,000

Start with the least expensive possibilities first — inspect fuses, check connector condition, and verify wiring integrity before committing to sensor replacement or module work.

Total Cost to Fix P0167

Parts and labor rates at independent shops typically run between $80 and $1,000 depending on the root cause. Connector cleaning or harness repair falls at the lower end, while control module replacement or extensive electronic diagnosis represents the upper boundary. Accurate diagnosis before purchasing components is the most reliable way to avoid unnecessary expense — the priciest scenario is rarely the first one to investigate.

Can You Drive with P0167?

The vehicle remains drivable in most situations, though you may experience slightly elevated fuel consumption or reduced powertrain performance depending on your specific model. If the engine enters limp mode, stalling occurs, or you notice any warning lights related to braking or steering assist, address the issue promptly rather than continuing to drive.