1997 Chevy Tahoe P-0160 O2 Sensor Code: Causes, Fixes & Solutions
I have a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe with 200,000 miles. Recently installed new catalytic converters and replaced the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor (O2 sensor). Despite these changes, the vehicle continues to display P-0160 fault code — indicating a malfunction in the upstream O2 sensor for Bank 2. I've now replaced the O2 sensor three times, but each one appears to fail shortly after installation. I'm wondering if this could be due to its location near the exhaust outlet of the catalytic converter, which might cause overheating or signal degradation. I’ve verified that the heater circuit has continuity and that the fuse is intact — the heater element also heats up when held in hand. However, during diagnostics, my scan tool shows an open circuit between terminals A and B on the O2 sensor. Is this a normal reading or a sign of failure? Additionally, I’ve noticed intermittent engine stuttering when shifting into Overdrive at 50 MPH — this occurs randomly and doesn’t seem to correlate with any specific driving condition. Any insights or troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Z06jay
The engine stuttering during Overdrive shift could actually be caused by a misfire, which is often more noticeable when the torque converter locks up or the engine is in overdrive. Regarding the P-0160 code, I recommend first checking the resistance and integrity of all wiring in the O2 sensor circuit from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to the sensor itself. Consider replacing the wiring harness with new wire to bypass any potential corrosion or damage. If that doesn’t resolve it, either the O2 sensors being installed are defective or the PCM isn't properly receiving the signal. Even though the heater circuit is working, verify if the actual O2 sensor signal is present on your scan tool — this will confirm whether the sensor is generating a proper voltage output. In some cases, vehicles with one failing O2 sensor may trigger both upstream and downstream codes due to system misinterpretation. Given the 200K-mile history of the truck, replacing all O2 sensors might be a worthwhile step at this point. Good luck — please update us on your progress.