P0163

Code

LAND ROVER P — Powertrain

Oxygen sensor - low voltage circuit. Bank 2 - sensor 3

Brand: LAND ROVER

Type: P — Powertrain

Views: UK: 22 EN: 31 RU: 21

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Page language: EN

Causes

Open or short in the O2 sensor signal circuit
Failed or contaminated O2 sensor (Bank 2, Sensor 3)
Poor sensor ground or connector corrosion/damage
Exhaust leak upstream of the sensor
Heater circuit fault (if sensor has integrated heater)
Faulty ECM or internal driver failure

Symptoms

Check Engine / MIL illuminated
Possible reduced fuel economy
Failed or increased emissions on tailpipe test
Occasional rough running or hesitation if ECM goes to open loop
Possible hesitation on cold start if heater circuit is faulty

What to check

Read and record freeze frame and live data for Bank 2 Sensor 3 using a scan tool
Confirm code is current and repeatable — clear code and re-run readiness/drive cycle
Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or disconnection
Back-probe the sensor signal wire and measure voltage with engine running
Measure heater supply and ground (if sensor equipped) and check resistance of heater element
Check for exhaust leaks upstream of the sensor and for contamination (oil/coolant deposits)

Signal parameters

Narrowband O2 typical signal: ~0.1 V (lean) to ~0.9 V (rich); downstream sensors often sit near ~0.45 V under closed-loop
Low-voltage fault typically means signal is below expected threshold (often < ~0.1–0.2 V) or stuck low
Heater resistance (approximate): commonly a few ohms to a few tens of ohms — consult OEM specs
Use an oscilloscope for best view: upstream sensors switch quickly; downstream sensors are slower/near steady
Refer to manufacturer service data for exact voltage and resistance specifications for this vehicle

Diagnostic algorithm

Retrieve freeze frame and live data. Note sensor3 behavior and related sensors (upstream/downstream).
Visually inspect sensor, wiring, and connector at Bank 2 Sensor 3 for damage, corrosion, or exhaust soot/oil contamination.
With key on engine off, check for proper reference voltage/power and ground to sensor (back-probe connector).
Start engine and back-probe signal wire; observe voltage with scan tool or DVOM. If signal is low or absent, proceed.
Measure heater circuit: verify supply voltage, ground, and heater resistance per OEM values. Replace sensor if heater open or out of spec.
Perform continuity test from sensor pins to ECM connector to find opens/shorts, and check for short to ground or to power.
Inspect for exhaust leaks upstream of the sensor which can cause artificially low readings; repair as needed.
If wiring and connectors are good but signal remains low, substitute a known good O2 sensor or swap with same-type sensor (if practical) to see if code follows sensor.
If swapped sensor works, replace the faulty sensor. If a replacement sensor still shows low voltage, suspect wiring/ECM issue and continue diagnostic per manufacturer procedures.
After repairs, clear codes and perform a full drive cycle to confirm the fault does not return and readiness monitors set.

Likely causes

Damaged connector or corrosion at sensor harness
Broken or shorted signal wire between sensor and ECM
Failed downstream O2 sensor contaminated by oil or coolant
Blown fuse or open circuit in sensor heater power/ground (if equipped)
Exhaust leak allowing extra oxygen and pulling the sensor low

Fault status

⚠️ Status

ECM detected low voltage on oxygen sensor circuit — Bank 2 Sensor 3. This indicates the sensor signal is below the expected range or the circuit is open/shorted.

🟡 Repair difficulty: Medium

⏱️ Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours

Repair manuals

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P0163 — Oxygen sensor - low voltage circuit. Bank 2 - sensor 3