Where the heck does p0161 mean

[jjohnson2499]

The description is "O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2 Sensor 2)", does this mean replace the sensor or is the controler for the sensor going bad? Anyone have any ideas? I also have p1684 which I can't find a description.

[acampinoob]

I also have this problem with my car; It really isn't that big of a problem if you don't mind the "Check Engine Light". I have had it running with the same error as you for at least 30,000 mi. I don't know what type/year of motor you got, but here is the idea for a 1995 2.0L. If you look at the O2 sensor, you can see it has 4 wires; (1) Black/red - This is the POWER side of the heater in the O2 sensor. (2) Black - Ground for the heater. (3) Black/green - This is the power side of the resistor in the sensor that measures the oxygen. (4) White/black/[VARIES] - This returns the voltage that flows through the resistor and returns back to the PCM. Notice that if you have more than 1 O2 sensor, there will be one wire that doesn't follow the color scheme. This is the wire that returns the info back to the PCM. Before assuming that it is a bad sensor, I would troubleshoot the wires to make sure they make a good ground. If I'm not mistaken, there should be continuity between the Black and Black/red wires through the heater circuit. Then if possible, check continuity between the cables and the PCM. Just make sure the circuit is OFF! As for which O2 sensor to start out, I'm not quite sure, but I would start with the easy ones just checking continuity between the power/ground heater side of the sensor (usually black and black/red wires). As for your P1684 code, don't worry about it. It just means that your battery has been disconnected recently. Check it out at this site: http://www.myscantool.com/dtc/specific/chrysler.html

[das2123]

Originally Posted by jjohnson2499

I also have p1684 which I can't find a description.

P1684 is "Battery Disconnected in the last 50 Starts".

[jjohnson2499]

Thanks for info, unfortunetly i need the code cleared to pass emissions testing. I replaced the sensor, I talked to a mechanic who said the code should clear after several cycles if the problem is fixed. So far no change (maybe 4 cycles so far)

[das2123]

Originally Posted by jjohnson2499

So far no change (maybe 4 cycles so far)

Take the car to Autozone or someplace who can scan and clear codes. They should do it for free.

[acampinoob]

What you could try doing is disconnecting your neg battery cable for about ten minutes. Be aware, however that this will reset the computer to factory specs and your car will shift funny and you will lose all your radio stations (sometimes). I have one of the scanners from scangauge.com and they work, but it clears the code for a while. It comes back if the problem is not fixed. Anyways, just disconnect your battery cable for a few minutes and reconnect it. It will act goofy and you will still get that other trouble code, but it is all NORMAL. If the code comes back after you let the car sit for 10 minutes or so without the battery, the problem isn't fixed.