P0161

[Joseph]

What’s up guys. Just dealt with crankcase sensor going bad three days ago and now we got P0161. Did a little searching and it’s the 02 heater sensor element or something like that.

I immediately drove a couple feet in my driveway after starting it cause I needed to move a little out of the way. That’s when the light came on.

Been real cold the last couple days hitting around 13 degrees last night, about 25-30 all day today. Have anything to do with it? I also have a leak between the flange for the muffler. Don’t know if my headers are cracked due to most noise coming from the rear.

Just don’t wanna spend more money on some sensors if it isn’t the problem. Mopar crankcase sensor from the dealer wasn’t cheap lol

 

[Chris]

That code means your O2 sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 2) is bad. The correct replacement for your 2002 4.0 is this one: NGK #23141

I'd personally replace all of them while I was in there, as it's good preventative maintenance, and O2 sensors should be replaced around every 80k miles anyways, if you want your engine to run good.

Check out this thread if you have a moment:
The Official Jeep Wrangler TJ Oxygen (O2) Sensor Thread

 

[05 Blue Unlimited]

Hey ...start reading this thread from a couple days ago. Its a different code but the same sensor.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/p0057-code-after-bl-mml-valve-cover-gasket.15766/#post-254483

 

[sergioemz]

That code means your O2 sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 2) is bad. The correct replacement for your 2002 4.0 is this one: NGK #23141

I'd personally replace all of them while I was in there, as it's good preventative maintenance, and O2 sensors should be replaced around every 80k miles anyways, if you want your engine to run good.

Check out this thread if you have a moment:
The Official Jeep Wrangler TJ Oxygen (O2) Sensor Thread

Hey Chris,
I know this is an old thread, but I just got the same code (P0161) right after replacing the cracked head on my Sahara 2001, i find hard to believe the sensor went bad at the same time the head was replaced, but maybe it did. do you know if something else can cause this code?

 

[Chris]

Hey Chris,
I know this is an old thread, but I just got the same code (P0161) right after replacing the cracked head on my Sahara 2001, i find hard to believe the sensor went bad at the same time the head was replaced, but maybe it did. do you know if something else can cause this code?

Hey there,

Yes, there are a few other things that can cause the P0161 code to appear. Here are some other possible causes:

- Wiring issues: Check the wiring to the O2 sensor for any frays or breaks. Make sure that the wiring is not being pinched or rubbing against any metal parts. This is more common than you think and takes some serious investigative work at times so don’t rule it out immediately!

- Failed PCM: A faulty powertrain control module (PCM) can cause the P0161 code to appear. If all else fails, you may need to replace your PCM. However, this is usually a last resort after ruling out all other causes. @Wranglerfix is the go to guy for replacement PCMs if it happens to be that.

I hope this helps!