Anyone dealt with P0161 code on Chevy Silverado?

Chevrolet Models Chevrolet Silverado
1

Seeking Help with P0161 Code

I’ve been having some trouble with my Chevy Silverado recently, and I keep getting the P0161 code popping up. From what I’ve gathered, this code relates to the oxygen sensor heater circuit for ‘Bank 2, Sensor 2’.

Here’s the deal:

  • It started showing up after I noticed a drop in fuel efficiency.
  • Occasionally, the engine starts acting a bit rough.
  • I haven’t noticed any significant power loss, but I want to get ahead of any potential issues before they become major problems.

Troubleshooting Steps I’ve Tried:

  1. Checked the Fuses: I started by inspecting the relevant fuses to see if any of them blew, but they all seem fine.
  2. Visual Inspection: I looked over the wiring and connectors around the oxygen sensors, but didn’t see any obvious damage.
  3. Battery Disconnect: I disconnected the battery for a while to see if it would reset the code, but it came back after driving for a bit.

Questions:

  • Has anyone else experienced this code on their Silverado?
  • What steps did you take to resolve it?
  • Should I just replace the sensor, or is it worth checking the heater circuit itself?

I’d really appreciate any advice or tips from fellow Silverado owners. If you have any experiences or solutions to share, that would be super helpful. Thanks in advance!

2

The P0161 code indicates an issue with the oxygen sensor circuit for bank 2. It’s crucial because it can mess with the air-fuel mixture, affecting performance and fuel efficiency.

3

I had a similar problem with my Silverado. I noticed poor fuel economy and the check engine light was on. It definitely puts a damper on performance!

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4

Has anyone experienced rough idling as a symptom? On my truck, it started acting up right before I got the P0161 code.

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5

Yes! My Silverado was idling really rough too. I replaced the sensor, and it cleared right up!

6

Rough idling was one of my issues as well. I also noticed a decrease in acceleration. It’s amazing how much one sensor can affect the overall performance.

7

On top of performance issues, having a P0161 code means potential issues with emissions too! Don’t ignore it if you’re concerned about passing inspections.

8

Absolutely! I got pulled over for emissions testing, and thankfully I was able to clear the code first!

9

Has anyone looked into why the bank 2 sensor fails so often? I’m curious if it’s a common manufacturing issue.

10

I’ve done some research, and it seems heat exposure is a big culprit. Our trucks are built to handle a lot, but that sensor gets pretty hot!

11

Funny enough, I replaced my sensor, and the next day my truck went faster than my neighbor’s sports car! Coincidence? Probably!

12

It’s important to start with diagnostics before jumping to replace parts. You might just have a wiring issue with your oxygen sensor.

13

Thanks for the advice, brownmichael! I definitely want to avoid changing parts unnecessarily. What diagnostic tools do you recommend for checking these codes?

14

I’ve had success with an OBD-II scanner with live data capabilities. They really help you determine the right fix!

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15

Exactly! Investing in a good scanner can save you time and money. I wish I had done that sooner!

16

It’s good to know I’m not alone dealing with the P0161 code. Sharing these experiences really helps! Stay strong, everyone.

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17

For sure! Misery loves company in the automotive world. We’ve got this!

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18

I’ve dealt with the P0161 code on my Silverado. It turned out to be an issue with the O2 sensor. Make sure to check the sensor wiring first before replacing it.

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19

That’s a classic issue! I used a multimeter to test the O2 sensor voltage and found it was out of spec. Highly recommend doing that before throwing parts at it.

20

I had the P0161 code pop up and it was just a loose connector. Sometimes it’s the simplest things! Just check all the connections.