P0061 low

Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 3)

The P0061 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Resistance (Bank 2, Sensor 3). This is a low severity code.

My Garage →
Keep driving?
Yes, but fix soon
DIY difficulty
moderate
Estimated cost
$100 - $300 (parts and labor)
Recommended Tool
ANCEL AD310 OBD-II Scanner

Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Every Tech Needs This
AstroAI Digital Multimeter

Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Slight fuel economy decrease
  • Extended O2 sensor warm-up time
  • Potential emissions failure

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Degraded heater element in Sensor 3 Very High
  • High-resistance connector at sensor High
  • Wiring damage in heater circuit Moderate
  • Aftermarket sensor with wrong resistance value Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Confirm P0061 and locate Bank 2 Sensor 3

  2. Measure heater resistance at the sensor connector

  3. Compare reading to factory specification

  4. Inspect wiring and connector for issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0061 mean?

P0061 indicates the heater resistance in the Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor is outside the normal range, typically due to a degrading heater element.

Is P0061 common?

P0061 is relatively uncommon since only vehicles with multiple catalytic converters per bank have a Sensor 3 position. It is mostly seen on V6 and V8 engines.

How urgent is P0061?

P0061 is low severity and does not require immediate repair. However, it will cause an emissions test failure if active.

Sources

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

Explore More

Search codes Vehicle-specific fixes Guides By make

Was this helpful?

Share carcodefinder.com with a friend who needs to decode their check engine light.

Browse by symptom → Read repair guides → Fixes by vehicle →