P0061: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 3

What it means

The control module detects that the heater resistance for the Bank 2 Sensor 3 heated oxygen sensor is outside the expected range.

At a glance

• Usually lights the check-engine light
• Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test

How it works

Bank 2 Sensor 3 is a heated oxygen sensor at the third sensor position on the engine's second cylinder bank, where fitted. The control module monitors its heater resistance and sets P0061 when that resistance falls outside the expected range.

Common causes

Most likely first.

1. Oxygen-sensor heater element worn or out of specification
2. Damaged heater wiring or connector
3. Poor electrical connection
4. Oxygen sensor failure

Symptoms

• Check-engine light on
• Oxygen-sensor heater may warm slowly
• Fuel economy may decrease
• Emissions may increase

How to diagnose it

1. Record freeze-frame data and check for related oxygen-sensor heater codes to determine whether the fault is isolated to Bank 2 Sensor 3.
2. Verify the vehicle's sensor layout, then inspect the Bank 2 Sensor 3 connector and heat-exposed harness for damage or corrosion.
3. Check the heater circuit fuse, supply, and ground at the sensor connector using the wiring diagram.
4. Measure the disconnected Bank 2 Sensor 3 heater resistance and compare it with the manufacturer's specification.
5. If the heater and wiring test correctly, use the manufacturer's procedure to check the heater control circuit.

Common fixes

• Repair damaged or heat-chafed wiring at Bank 2 Sensor 3.
• Clean or repair corroded or loose connector terminals.
• Replace Bank 2 Sensor 3 if its heater resistance is outside the manufacturer's specification.
• Repair a confirmed fuse, supply, ground, or heater-control fault.

Can I keep driving?

If the engine runs normally, short trips are generally possible, but the sensor may warm slowly and emissions can rise. Have the fault checked if drivability worsens or other warning codes appear.