CEL is on - Code P0160 - SLK350 R171
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Joined: Dec 2003
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2005 E55, 2002 CLK55, 2005 SLK350 also a 2009 BMW 335-IX
CEL is on - Code P0160 - SLK350 R171
Hello Folks,
Well we have the CEL on and this code...
P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The CEL light will come on with hard accelleration. After a number of restarts over a few days it will go off until the next hard thorttle hit. I do understand that the CEL self-reset is normal if the ECU does not see the same error repeated. Is that right?
So now, what is the fix? I do not want to head to the dealer if I can fix it myself.
I have checked the air filter and air box to make sure that is all seated correctly. I have cleaned the MAF as well. All connections and vaccuum lines look good from up top. I have not been below the car yet. Where is the O2 sensor in question?
Thanks folks...
Well we have the CEL on and this code...
P0160 O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
The CEL light will come on with hard accelleration. After a number of restarts over a few days it will go off until the next hard thorttle hit. I do understand that the CEL self-reset is normal if the ECU does not see the same error repeated. Is that right?
So now, what is the fix? I do not want to head to the dealer if I can fix it myself.
I have checked the air filter and air box to make sure that is all seated correctly. I have cleaned the MAF as well. All connections and vaccuum lines look good from up top. I have not been below the car yet. Where is the O2 sensor in question?
Thanks folks...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
What's your mileage? O2's do have a service life.
I'm venturing a lazy O2, that under hard driving can't keep up and sets the code.
I'm shooting from the hip somewhat, as not all manufacturers are the same and I can't exactly say that MB goes by Bank 1 = Cyl 1 side. Bank 2 would then be the other side. (http://www.aa1car.com/library/oxygen..._locations.htm)
Sensor 2 definitely means post cat sensor. Bosch part number 16749 is about $80 at Rockauto.com. Post cat sensors last a very long time and more serve the purpose of monitoring the efficiency of the catalyst. Under hard acceleration, you're dumping more fuel and it's possible that cat isn't burning the fuel off and the sensor is picking that up.
In any case, the sensor is a breeze to change - as easy or easier than a spark plug. The accessibility is easy to see by locating the cat converter and looking just behind it for the sensor.
I'm venturing a lazy O2, that under hard driving can't keep up and sets the code.
I'm shooting from the hip somewhat, as not all manufacturers are the same and I can't exactly say that MB goes by Bank 1 = Cyl 1 side. Bank 2 would then be the other side. (http://www.aa1car.com/library/oxygen..._locations.htm)
Sensor 2 definitely means post cat sensor. Bosch part number 16749 is about $80 at Rockauto.com. Post cat sensors last a very long time and more serve the purpose of monitoring the efficiency of the catalyst. Under hard acceleration, you're dumping more fuel and it's possible that cat isn't burning the fuel off and the sensor is picking that up.
In any case, the sensor is a breeze to change - as easy or easier than a spark plug. The accessibility is easy to see by locating the cat converter and looking just behind it for the sensor.
Last edited by kjb55; Dec 29, 2010 at 09:15 PM. Reason: grammar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Given the very low mileage - you're well within the emissions warranty. With the code and CEL set, I'd visit the dealer and have it repaired under warranty.
While not impossible, a bad post cat O2 with that low of mileage is rare. And, you don't want to foot the bill for a cat.
While not impossible, a bad post cat O2 with that low of mileage is rare. And, you don't want to foot the bill for a cat.
