P0163 Low voltage in the electrical circuit of the oxygen sensor (sensor 3, bank 2)

Content

P0163 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
What does trouble code P0163 mean?
Possible reasons
What are the symptoms of trouble code P0163?
How to diagnose trouble code P0163?
- Diagnostic errors
How serious is trouble code P0163?
What repairs will resolve the P0163 code?
P0163 – Brand Specific Information

P0163 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P0163 indicates low voltage in the oxygen sensor (sensor 3, bank 2) circuit.

What does the fault code mean P0163?

Trouble code P0163 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected that the oxygen sensor 3 (bank 2) circuit voltage is too low compared to the manufacturer's specification. When this error occurs, the Check Engine light on the vehicle's dashboard will light up, indicating that there is a problem.

Possible reasons

Possible causes of DTC P0163:

Oxygen sensor heater malfunction: Damage or malfunction of the oxygen sensor heater may cause the sensor to become insufficiently warm, which may cause the sensor circuit to decrease in voltage.
Problems with wiring and connectors: Opens, corrosion, or poor connections in the wiring or connectors connecting the oxygen sensor to the engine control module (ECM) can cause the sensor to lack power.
Engine Control Module (ECM) malfunction: Problems with the ECM, which controls the operation of the oxygen sensor and processes its signals, can lead to low voltage in the sensor circuit.
Power problems: Insufficient power to the oxygen sensor due to problems with the fuses, relays, battery or alternator can cause the voltage in the oxygen sensor circuit to decrease.
Mechanical damage: Physical damage to the oxygen sensor or its wiring, such as kinks, pinches, or breaks, can reduce the voltage in the circuit.
Problems with the catalyst: Malfunctions of the catalyst or its clogging can affect the operation of the oxygen sensor and cause a decrease in voltage in its circuit.
Problems with the exhaust system: Restricted exhaust flow or problems with the exhaust system can also affect the performance of the oxygen sensor.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0163?

Symptoms for DTC P0163 may include the following:

The Check Engine light comes on: When the ECM detects a malfunction in the No. 3 oxygen sensor circuit in cylinder bank XNUMX, it activates the Check Engine Light on the instrument panel.
Poor engine performance: Low voltage in the oxygen sensor circuit can affect engine performance, which may result in rough running, loss of power, or other performance problems.
Deteriorating fuel economy: Poor performance of the oxygen sensor due to reduced voltage in the oxygen sensor circuit can result in poor fuel economy.
Unstable idle: If the oxygen sensor is faulty, you may have trouble maintaining a stable idle.
Increased emissions: Incorrect functioning of the oxygen sensor can lead to increased emissions of harmful substances in the exhaust gases.

It is important to note that symptoms may manifest differently depending on the specific cause and the vehicle's operating conditions.

How to diagnose a fault code P0163?

To diagnose DTC P0163, the following steps are recommended:

Scan error code: Use a diagnostic scan tool to read the error code from the engine control module (ECM) memory and obtain more detailed information about it.
Checking wiring and connectors: Carefully inspect the wiring and connectors connecting the No. 3 oxygen sensor to the ECM. Check that the wiring is intact, that the connectors are tightly connected and that there are no signs of corrosion.
Checking the voltage at the oxygen sensor: Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the #3 oxygen sensor terminals. The normal voltage must be within the manufacturer's specifications.
Checking the oxygen sensor heater: Check the operation of the No. 3 oxygen sensor heater. Make sure it is receiving proper power and grounding and that its resistance meets the manufacturer's specifications.
ECM diagnostics: If necessary, perform diagnostics on the ECM to identify possible problems with its operation, such as malfunctions in the power circuit or incorrect interpretation of signals from the oxygen sensor.
Check the catalyst: Check the condition of the catalytic converter for blockage or damage that could affect the operation of the oxygen sensor.
Additional tests: If necessary, carry out additional tests, such as checking the exhaust system or analyzing the oxygen content of the exhaust gases.

It is important to monitor safety when carrying out diagnostics and, if you do not have experience working with automotive systems, it is recommended to turn to professionals.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P0163, the following errors may occur:

Incorrect interpretation of code: The interpretation of the P0163 code may not be accurate if you do not consider all the possible causes that lead to this error. This can lead to incorrect diagnosis and replacement of unnecessary parts.
Skipping a Core Component Check: Sometimes mechanics may skip basic components such as wiring, connectors, or the oxygen sensor itself and focus only on the more complex aspects of diagnosis. This can lead to missing simple solutions to the problem.
Incorrect ECM diagnosis: If the problem is the ECM, incorrectly diagnosing or incorrectly correcting the ECM problem may result in additional problems or replacement of unnecessary parts.
Faults related to other systems: Sometimes problems related to other systems, such as the ignition system, fuel system or exhaust system, can manifest themselves as a P0163 code. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to these problems being missed.
Unaccounted for environmental factors: Factors such as humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions can affect the performance of the oxygen sensor and cause the P0163 code to appear. They must be taken into account during diagnosis.

To prevent these errors, it is important to take a systematic approach to diagnosis, carefully check all possible causes of the error and, if necessary, contact an experienced technician or mechanic.

How serious is the fault code? P0163?

Trouble code P0163 is not a critical fault that will immediately stop the car from running, it is still a serious problem that can lead to some unwanted consequences:

Loss of productivity: Poor oxygen sensor performance can result in loss of engine performance, which may result in rough operation or loss of power.
Increased emissions of harmful substances: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can lead to increased emissions of harmful substances in the exhaust gases, which may lead to violation of environmental safety standards and subject to fines or taxes.
Deteriorating fuel economy: Improper operation of the oxygen sensor can result in poor fuel economy, which can result in increased fuel consumption and additional refueling costs.
Damage to catalyst: A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the catalytic converter to malfunction, which can lead to catalytic converter damage or failure, requiring expensive component replacement.

So, although a P0163 code is not an immediate safety hazard and may not cause your vehicle to fail immediately, it should be taken seriously and addressed as soon as possible to avoid further problems.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0163?

To resolve DTC P0163, follow these steps:

Checking wiring and connectors: Check the wiring and connectors connecting the No. 3 oxygen sensor to the engine control module (ECM). If damage, corrosion or poor contacts are found, replace or repair them.
Replacing oxygen sensor No. 3: If the wiring and connectors are in good condition, but the oxygen sensor shows incorrect values, then the oxygen sensor No. 3 must be replaced. Make sure the new sensor meets the manufacturer's specifications and is installed correctly.
ECM Check and Repair: Possible problems with the engine control module (ECM) may require diagnosis and, if necessary, repair or replacement. This is a rare case, but if other causes are excluded, it is worth paying attention to the ECM.
Check the catalyst: Check the condition of the catalytic converter for blockage or damage that could affect the operation of the oxygen sensor. Replace the catalyst if necessary.
Checking power and grounding: Check the power and grounding of the oxygen sensor, as well as other components in the circuit. Make sure they are in good condition.
Additional tests and checks: Perform additional tests, such as an exhaust system check or exhaust gas oxygen content test, to rule out other possible causes of the problem.

After performing the necessary repair actions, reset the trouble code using the diagnostic scanner. After that, do a few test runs to make sure the problem was completely

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