What is P0061 fault code and what does it mean? What is the failure description for the HO2S Heater Resistor Bank 2 Sensor 3? How do I fix the P0061 fault code What are the causes and symptoms of the P0061 error code?
What is the P0061 Fault code? What does it stand for?
P0061 is an indication that the Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor has detected abnormal resistance. “Bank 2” refers to the engine bank that doesn’t contain the engine’s #1 Cylinder. “Sensor 3”, the oxygen sensor located furthest from engine, is the one after the catalytic convert. If the powertrain controller module (PCM), detects an excess of oxygen sensor resistance, P0061 will trigger.
In the exhaust system, you will find oxygen sensors. This sensor is used to calculate engine fuel consumption and monitor levels of pollutants generated by the engine. The PCM uses data from oxygen sensors in order to regulate and control the air fuel mixture.
Once the oxygen sensors reach a temperature of approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit (315°C), they begin to send sensitive and accurate information. It takes about 15 minutes for exhaust pipes to reach this temperature after starting a cold engine. The oxygen sensors require to be heated up faster so the engine can enter the closed circuit more quickly. The oxygen sensors now have a heating element. Modern vehicles are equipped with heater oxygen sensors (HO2S).
The PCM uses the data from the oxygen sensors for fuel delivery and ignition timing calculations. There are four wires to the sensor. Two of these wires provide the PCM an aggregate circuit and a reference voltage signal at 0.5 volts. The ground and supply wires from the battery to the heater component are the other two. The PCM routes the battery voltage through it, sometimes with the aid of relays and/or fuse. The circuit is energized when the ignition switch turns on under cold starting conditions. When the engine reaches normal operating temperatures, the PCM will turn off the oxygen sensor heater circuit. Fault code P0061 will be set if the PCM detects electrical resistance beyond the parameters of the sensor control circuit.
The P0061 fault code can affect vehicles of various makes, including those made by Volkswagen, Chevrolet and Ford, Ford, Renault or Hyundai, Volvo, GMC Mazda, Pontiac, Isuzu, Pontiac, Pontiac, and Ford.
What causes the P0061 Fault code?
Below are some reasons to set fault code P0061:
- – Defective oxygen sensor (Bank 2 Sensor 3)
- – Short circuit issues in the PCM/oxygen sensor heater circuit
- – Damage to wiring harnesses or connectors
- – O2 sensor heater element fuse blown
- – Worn heater element
- – Defective engine control relay
What are the P0061 Malfunction Code Symptoms
The following symptoms may be experienced by anyone who has a vehicle coded P0061
- – Illumination at the check engine lights
- – Low engine performance
- – Engine hesitation and engine stumbling during acceleration
- Engine stalling
- – Increased fuel consumption
- Due to the rich working conditions, black smoke is produced from exhaust
- Poor operating conditions can cause difficulty in the operation of the engine
- – Sparkplugs that have excessive carbon buildup
- – Other fault codes can be set
How do I fix the P0061 fault code?
You should take P0061 fault code seriously. This code indicates that the O2 heater is not functioning and could lead to engine performance issues.
There are several repairs that can resolve the P0061 fault code:
- – Test the oxygen sensor, and replace it if it is defective (Bank 2 Sensor 3).
- Repair of short or open circuits, wiring from O2 sensor to PCM
- – Clean the sensor and connector
- If the fuse blows (if applicable), replace the sensor.
- – Relay replacement (if necessary)
- – It is very unlikely that a PCM will be replaced
