Error Code P0060: What It Means & What To Do?

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The first indication of any problem i.e., the Engine Warning Light, turns up almost immediately it senses the OBD code error. This directly impacts the engine performance as it struggles with power and acceleration as well as failed fuel system causing increased consumption of fuel by the engine.

P0060 indicates that there is an abnormal (usually high) resistance detected in the heater of the oxygen sensor, located after the catalytic converter.

OBD II fault code P0060 is defined as Heated Oxygen Sensor Resistance (Bank 2 Sensor 2), and is set when the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) detects an electrical resistance in the sensor control circuit that falls outside of predefined parameters. On engines with two-cylinder heads, “Bank 2” refers to the bank of cylinders that does not contain cylinder 1, while Sensor 2 refers to the oxygen sensor that is located downstream of the catalytic converter.

A universal resistance level of 8 ohms is normal for this particular circuit. Variations of greater than 10-percent in either direction will result in a stored code and an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp. Heater circuit voltage should duplicate battery voltage, with a variation of 10-percent being sufficient to initiate a stored trouble code in the PCM. Engine running (closed loop) oxygen sensor readings that remain constant for an extended period of time (typically more than 8-seconds) can cause a code to be stored and a malfunction indicator to be illuminated.

What causes this problem with the HO2S Heater Resistance?

• The connections or electrical terminals might get corroded
• A faulty oxygen sensor getting the wrong reading
• Oxygen sensor circuit has faulty connector and wiring
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module or Engine Control Module
• Burnt fusible link and Burnt fuses
• Burnt, broken or disconnected wiring and/or Connectors
• Engine Control Relay is damaged or defective

1. Fuel Pump Relays - The fuel pump relay is usually controlled by the PCM, and when switched on, provides power to the fuel pump so it may function. Visit us to get quality fuel pump relays and replace them now.
2. Heated Oxygen Sensor - The fault in the oxygen sensor immediately make the ECM to go into failsafe mode due to failure of the fuel delivery system, and engine control module. Replace faulty/damaged sensors today!
3. Heated Oxygen Sensor Harness - Error Code P0060 may also occur if the sensor harness is damaged leading to poor engine performance. Change to damaged sensor harness now!
4. Heated Oxygen Sensor Connector - A faulty Oxygen Sensor Connector can be damaged leading to data not reaching the sensor and not getting transmitted completely. Replace your old connectors now.
5. Powertrain Control Module - It’s important to recognize fault in the PCM and replace/reprogram it as per the diagnosis.
6. Diagnostic Tools - Use correct diagnostic tools to detect the problems and diagnose them. Shop professional diagnostic tools immediately.

Possible symptoms from the O2 sensor heater failure include the O2 sensor not giving the proper voltage during the first few minutes of starting the engine, in which case the ECU would go into failsafe mode until the system is repaired. The Check Engine Light would then come on once the ECU detects the O2 sensor problem. Visit Parts Avatar Canada to find genuine performance and replacement parts for the diagnosis of this OBD Error Code P0060.

Common Symptoms

• Significant decrease in the fuel economy
• Engine stalling and not starting along with loss of power and response
• Rough idle and hard starting of the engine
• Carbon deposit build up impacting the spark plugs
• Loss of response from engine and throttle
• Check Engine Light On
• Black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe

OBD Error Code P0060 is verified with an industrial grade OBD-II scanner, fault codes are reset, and a road test is performed with the help of a qualified technician. If the P0060 code returns, then follow the test procedure:

• Reset the code and test the vehicle to see if the Engine Warning Light comes back on, and the code returns after the engine is at operating temperature using the OBD Scanner.
• Check the resistance on the wiring of sensor. Electrical wiring needs to be checked to ensure that the wires are not burnt, broken, damaged or melted to the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is very hot and damages wiring and connectors by simply being in proximity to it.
• All wiring close to the exhaust systems should be checked for damages as there are a lot of chances to be burnt or melted due to high temperatures.
• Check for the faulty oxygen sensor circuit as it might be a major and most common problem that needs to be rectified at the earliest.

It is very important to use the correct tools to diagnose a problem with a very professional outlook. Each and every default component needs to be examined as the ECM sensor comes into play. Follow the following step by step analysis to do the diagnosis of error code P0060

• Use a professional grade Diagnostic scan tool to check for all codes present (must be used to show live sensor data)
• Observe and take note of any freeze frame data that is associated with the code along with the current collected data after the test drive.
• After the confirmation of P0060, clear the code and perform a test drive under the same circumstances shown in the freeze frame data.
• If the P0060 code returns, visual inspection is performed to check the integrity of the wiring and sensor.
• Scan with a tool used to monitor live data from Bank 1 Sensor 2 if the previous step is found to be okay.
• Check and test the ECM if the sensor checks out as under the rarest of chances it may be possible that ECM is faulty and needs replacement.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0060

Never directly assume the Heated Oxygen Sensor is bad and needs replacement. The test procedure must be followed at all times to ensure that the wiring and other components are in good condition. Most of these problems are related to wiring touching the exhaust system. Always seek professional help to get the diagnosis as there might be many occasions where the diagnosis is much cheaper than perceived. Thus, we conclude;

• Do not replace the sensor without evaluation of the wiring and electrical connections related to the sensor
• Improperly differentiation of sensor 1 from sensor 2 and replacing the wrong sensor without examining

P0061 - HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 3)