P0061 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

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If you notice black smoke emitting from the exhaust and delayed engine start-ups along with increased fuel consumptions, the vehicle may flash P0061 code error. The first indicator includes flashing of Check Engine Light on dashboard, with engine stalling and rough idles.

P0061 announces that the vehicle’s computer detects an unusual resistance level with oxygen sensor bank 2 sensor 3.

This trouble code indicates that there is an abnormal resistance detected with the bank 2 sensor 3 oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensors are located on the exhaust pipes and are used by the vehicle’s computer to monitor the amount of fuel being consumed by the engine, as well as the levels of pollutants being created by the engine.

The oxygen sensor is required to reach an optimal temperature to read the oxygen levels in the air in the exhaust as it leaves the engine’s combustion chamber. This data is sent to the PCM and if the PCM detects that the sensor is not transmitting the data properly, it sets the OBD code P0061 error.

The computer of the vehicle uses the oxygen sensor readings to adjust the performance of the engine by changing the air, fuel ratio, and ignition timing.

What causes HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 3 problem?

• Wiring and connectors are burnt, broken, or disconnected
• Faulty Engine Control Relay
• Internal Heater Element worn out
• Power Control Module faulty
• Wiring connectors get heat damaged
• Problematic Oxygen Sensor and it’s Connector
• Oxygen Sensor fuse blown
• Increased/decreased Fuel Pressure
• Exhaust or Vacuum leakage
• Oxygen sensor Harness open circuit
• Damaged wiring and connectors

1. Spark Plugs - Check for faulty spark plugs as they can cause the sensors to malfunction. Replace faulty spark plugs immediately to get rid of this OBD code P0061 error.
2. Heated Oxygen Sensor - A faulty sensor will not be able to read oxygen levels correctly and PCM will not analyse the air to fuel ratio in the exhaust. Replace damaged oxygen sensors now!
3. Heated Oxygen Sensor Connector - A faulty Oxygen Sensor Connector can also lead to affected engine performance. Replace your old connectors now.
4. Diagnostic Tool - In order to detect the error, one needs high grade diagnostic tools. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.

The most common symptoms include the illumination of Check Engine Light on the dashboard, with engine stalling and not starting as well as rough idles. Following are the symptoms indicating OBD Code P0061 Error.

Common Symptoms

• Rich cold start condition causing black smoke from exhaust
• Check Engine Light On
• Lean cold start condition causing delayed start
• Oil dilution
• Carbon deposit build up harming spark plugs
• Increased Fuel Consumption/Decreased Fuel Economy
• Rough idles and engine stalling

Following are the ways to correct the OBD Code P0061 error problem.

• Replacement of Bank 2 Sensor 3
• Repair/Replace damaged/short/open wiring
• Changing Bank 2 Sensor 3 fuse and spark plugs
• Replacement of ECU
• PCM replacement
• Heated Oxygen Sensor replacement

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An air fuel mixture of 14:7 (air: fuel) must be provided for the engine to function properly. The PCM controls the fuel delivery, ignition timing, and fuel injector pulse for the engine. To diagnose a P0061, test the oxygen sensor wiring and circuits. The internal processor circuits can be a cause but test for other problems properly. Separate the oxygen sensor from the exhaust to verify that the sensor itself heats on its own. Inspects the wiring and electrical connections related to the oxygen sensor for an open, short, or loose connection. When the engine is cooled down, allow the O2 Sensor heater to activate, and reset the code, and inspect O2 sensor heater input data using the scanner data stream. If the engine is within the correct temperature range, O2 sensor heater voltage should be the about the same as battery voltage.

If a resistance issue causes O2 sensor heater voltage to vary, a P0061 will be stored in the PCM.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0061 code

• Always take help of a qualified technician to diagnose the P0061 error. It is important to follow the step by step analysis to correct this problem and check all the components properly before coming to a conclusion.
• Wrong sensor replaced due to wrongly identifying sensor 1, sensor 2, or sensor 3
• Oxygen sensors connector are dirty
• Not taking incorrect readings into considerations
• Changing the incorrect oxygen sensor

P0060 - HO2S Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 2)