P0167 Oxygen sensor heater: circuit fault (bank 2, sensor 3) (SAE: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3))

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P0167 means: Oxygen sensor heater: circuit fault (bank 2, sensor 3) (SAE: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)). The oxygen sensor has a heater so it warms up quickly. OK to drive, but have it checked soon. The repair usually costs about €60–250 in Estonia.

What it means

The oxygen sensor has a heater so it warms up quickly. If the heater doesn't work, the sensor gives no proper reading on a cold engine and fuel use goes up. The computer found a fault in the electrical circuit: the part, a wire, a connector or a fuse. Bank 2 is the side of a V engine without cylinder 1.

What you may notice

• Engine light on
• Slightly higher fuel consumption
• Usually no change in how the car drives

What could be wrong

1. 1Connector loose, damp or corroded
2. 2Wire broken or chafed
3. 3Faulty oxygen sensor
4. 4Engine computer fault (rare)

Repair difficulty: Easy

What you can check yourself

First look at the connector and wiring: anything loose, melted or green with corrosion? Check the oxygen sensor heater fuse. Make sure the sensor wire isn't touching the hot exhaust. You can do the simpler checks yourself.

How we fix it

1. We read the fault data on the diagnostic tool and check whether the fault is constant
2. We measure the circuit's supply, ground and signal
3. We repair the wire or replace the connector
4. If the wiring is fine, we replace the oxygen sensor

Standard SAE description: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 3)