If your OBD-II scanner displays P0060, your vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected that the heater resistance of the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) on Bank 2 Sensor 2 is outside the manufacturer’s expected operating range.
The generic SAE definition for P0060 is:
HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2
Unlike heater control circuit codes such as P0056, P0057, and P0058, which monitor voltage and current within the heater circuit, P0060 specifically monitors the electrical resistance of the heater element inside the downstream oxygen sensor itself.
Bank 2 Sensor 2 is the downstream oxygen sensor, located after the catalytic converter on the side of the engine opposite cylinder number one. Although this sensor doesn’t directly control fuel delivery, its heater is essential for catalyst efficiency monitoring and emissions testing.
Depending on the manufacturer, this sensor may also be called:
- Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S)
- Rear Oxygen Sensor
- Downstream Oxygen Sensor
- Post-Catalytic Converter Oxygen Sensor
- Lambda Sensor
- Catalyst Monitoring Sensor
- Rear Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor
Common causes of P0060 include:
- Aging heater element
- Failed oxygen sensor
- Open heater element
- Corroded connector
- Damaged wiring
- Incorrect replacement sensor
- High circuit resistance
- Weak charging system
- Failed heater relay
- ECM driver failure (rare)
Although P0060 usually won’t affect engine performance, it can delay catalyst monitoring, increase emissions, and prevent your vehicle from passing an emissions inspection.
For additional diagnostic information, visit:
- Complete OBD-II Code Library: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-obdii/
- Body B-Code Library: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/b-code-obd-ii-codes/
- Chassis C-Code Library: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/c-code-obd-ii-codes/
P0060 Quick Facts
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| OBD-II Code | P0060 |
| Description | HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| Category | Powertrain |
| System | Emissions |
| Sensor | Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| Sensor Location | Downstream (After Catalytic Converter) |
| Severity | Low |
| Safe to Drive? | Yes |
| Typical Repair Cost | $100–600 |
What Does P0060 Mean?
P0060 indicates the ECM has determined that the heater resistance of the downstream oxygen sensor on Bank 2 is outside the manufacturer’s acceptable specification.
Every heated oxygen sensor contains an electric heater that rapidly warms the sensing element after startup.
The ECM continuously monitors:
- Heater resistance
- Heater current
- Warm-up time
- Sensor response
- Voltage characteristics
If the heater’s electrical resistance becomes too high, too low, or completely open, the ECM stores P0060.
Unlike heater circuit codes, P0060 evaluates the condition of the heater element, not simply whether electrical power reaches it.
What Is Bank 2 Sensor 2?
Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not contain cylinder number one.
Sensor 2 is located after the catalytic converter.
Its primary responsibilities include:
- Monitoring catalytic converter efficiency
- Measuring oxygen levels after the catalyst
- Verifying emissions performance
- Completing OBD-II readiness monitors
- Detecting catalyst deterioration
Unlike Sensor 1, the downstream sensor generally does not control fuel trims.
Why Does the Downstream Oxygen Sensor Need a Heater?
Although the downstream sensor isn’t responsible for fuel mixture corrections, it still must reach operating temperature quickly.
The heater allows the ECM to:
- Begin catalyst monitoring sooner
- Complete readiness monitors faster
- Reduce cold-start emissions
- Improve emissions diagnostics
- Verify catalytic converter efficiency
Without the heater, the ECM must wait until hot exhaust gases naturally warm the sensor.
What Is Heater Resistance?
The heater inside every oxygen sensor functions much like the heating element inside an electric appliance.
As it ages:
- Resistance gradually changes
- Current flow changes
- Heating efficiency decreases
- Warm-up time increases
The ECM monitors these changes because they provide early warning that the heater element is nearing failure.
How the ECM Monitors Heater Resistance
The ECM performs self-tests during cold starts and specific operating conditions.
It monitors:
- Heater resistance
- Current draw
- Supply voltage
- Warm-up performance
- Sensor response time
If heater resistance falls outside the manufacturer’s calibrated range, P0060 is stored.
Unlike circuit faults, resistance faults often occur even when wiring and connectors appear normal.
P0060 vs Related Codes
| Code | Description |
| P0055 | Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| P0056 | Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| P0057 | Heater Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| P0058 | Heater Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
| P0060 | Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2 |
Generally:
- P0056-P0058 diagnose heater circuit operation.
- P0060 evaluates the heater element itself.
Symptoms of P0060
Common symptoms include:
- Check Engine Light
- Failed emissions inspection
- Catalyst monitor incomplete
- Increased cold-start emissions
- Readiness monitors not completing
Most drivers notice no difference in vehicle performance.
Common Causes of P0060
1. Aging Heater Element
Repeated heating and cooling eventually changes heater resistance.
This is the most common cause.
2. Failed Oxygen Sensor
Internal heater deterioration eventually moves resistance outside specification.
3. Open Heater Element
The heating element burns open and no longer functions.
4. Corroded Connector
Inspect for:
- Green corrosion
- Moisture
- Bent terminals
- Loose pins
- Broken connector locks
5. Damaged Wiring
Inspect for:
- Heat damage
- Chafed insulation
- Broken conductors
- Previous repairs
- Rodent damage
6. High Circuit Resistance
Loose connectors, corrosion, or poor repairs can increase overall heater resistance.
7. Incorrect Replacement Sensor
Universal oxygen sensors often have heater characteristics outside OEM specifications.
Direct-fit sensors are recommended.
8. Weak Charging System
Low system voltage can interfere with heater diagnostics.
Inspect:
- Battery
- Alternator
- Engine grounds
9. Failed Heater Relay
Some manufacturers power several oxygen sensor heaters from one relay.
A weak relay can reduce heater performance.
10. ECM Driver Failure
Very uncommon.
Only suspect the ECM after confirming:
- Heater resistance
- Wiring integrity
- Connector condition
- Voltage supply
- Relay operation
Is P0060 Serious?
P0060 is considered a low-severity diagnostic trouble code.
The vehicle usually remains safe to drive.
However, ignoring the code may result in:
- Increased emissions
- Failed emissions testing
- Catalyst monitor failure
- Additional oxygen sensor codes
- Incomplete readiness monitors
Can You Drive With P0060?
Yes.
Because Bank 2 Sensor 2 primarily monitors catalytic converter efficiency, most drivers experience no noticeable drivability problems.
The only thing likely to complain is your emissions inspection station.
How to Diagnose P0060
Step 1: Scan for Additional Codes
Look for:
- P0055
- P0056
- P0057
- P0058
- Catalyst efficiency codes
- Battery voltage codes
Record freeze-frame data.
Step 2: Locate Bank 2 Sensor 2
Verify:
- Cylinder number one
- Bank 2
- Downstream oxygen sensor
Replacing the wrong oxygen sensor remains surprisingly common.
Step 3: Inspect Wiring
Look for:
- Burned insulation
- Heat damage
- Chafed harness
- Broken wiring
- Previous repairs
Step 4: Inspect Connector
Inspect for:
- Corrosion
- Moisture
- Loose pins
- Bent terminals
- Broken locking tabs
Step 5: Measure Heater Resistance
Disconnect the sensor.
Measure heater resistance across the heater terminals.
Possible readings include:
- Infinite resistance
- Excessively high resistance
- Very low resistance
- Within specification
Always compare readings with manufacturer specifications.
Step 6: Verify Power Supply
Inspect:
- Battery voltage
- Heater fuse
- Relay operation
- Ground integrity
Step 7: Perform Voltage Drop Testing
Measure voltage drop across:
- Heater power wire
- Ground wire
- Relay
- Fuse
- Connectors
High-resistance circuits frequently appear normal during continuity testing.
Step 8: Compare With Bank 1 Sensor 2
If both downstream sensors are identical, compare:
- Heater resistance
- Current draw
- Warm-up time
Large differences usually identify the faulty sensor.
Step 9: Replace the Sensor if Necessary
If heater resistance is outside specification, replace Bank 2 Sensor 2 with a quality OEM-equivalent direct-fit oxygen sensor.
Step 10: Verify Repairs
After repairs:
- Clear all DTCs.
- Perform a cold start.
- Monitor heater operation.
- Complete an OBD-II drive cycle.
- Confirm readiness monitors complete.
- Verify P0060 does not return.
Common Repairs and Costs
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
| Oxygen sensor replacement | $150–500 |
| Wiring repair | $100–400 |
| Connector replacement | $75–250 |
| Heater relay replacement | $50–200 |
| Fuse replacement | $10–50 |
| Charging system repair | $150–400 |
| ECM replacement | $1,000–2,500+ |
Common Diagnostic Mistakes
Avoid these mistakes:
- Replacing the wrong oxygen sensor
- Installing universal sensors
- Ignoring connector corrosion
- Skipping heater resistance testing
- Assuming the circuit is faulty when only the heater has failed
- Replacing the ECM before testing the sensor
Vehicles Commonly Affected
P0060 commonly appears on:
- Chevrolet
- GMC
- Ford
- Dodge
- Chrysler
- Jeep
- Toyota
- Lexus
- Honda
- Acura
- Nissan
- Infiniti
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Subaru
- Volkswagen
- Audi
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Volvo
Exact heater resistance specifications vary by manufacturer.
How to Prevent P0060
Reduce the likelihood of P0060 by:
- Installing OEM-quality oxygen sensors
- Keeping heat shields installed
- Preventing oil and coolant contamination
- Inspecting wiring during exhaust repairs
- Maintaining the charging system
- Cleaning connectors regularly
- Avoiding universal splice-in sensors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0060 mean?
P0060 indicates the heater resistance of the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor is outside manufacturer specifications.
Is P0060 serious?
Usually not.
Most vehicles remain safe to drive.
Can I drive with P0060?
Yes.
Most vehicles continue operating normally.
What causes P0060?
The most common causes include:
- Aging heater element
- Failed oxygen sensor
- Damaged wiring
- Corroded connector
- Incorrect replacement sensor
Will replacing the oxygen sensor fix P0060?
In most cases, yes.
However, wiring and connectors should always be inspected before replacing components.
Is P0060 the same as P0056?
No.
P0056 monitors the heater control circuit.
P0060 monitors the heater element’s resistance.
Does P0060 affect fuel economy?
Very little.
The downstream oxygen sensor primarily monitors catalyst efficiency.
Can P0060 cause a failed emissions inspection?
Yes.
Delayed catalyst monitoring and incomplete readiness monitors commonly prevent a vehicle from passing emissions testing.
Final Thoughts
The P0060 code indicates the ECM has detected abnormal heater resistance in the Bank 2 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor. Rather than identifying a wiring fault, this code focuses on the condition of the heater element itself and often signals a sensor that’s nearing the end of its service life.
Most repairs involve replacing the downstream oxygen sensor, but a proper diagnosis should always include checking the wiring, connectors, fuse, relay, and charging system before replacing parts. Repairing P0060 promptly helps restore catalyst monitoring, complete emissions readiness tests, and keep the Check Engine Light from becoming a permanent dashboard decoration.
Related Articles
Bank 2 Sensor 2 Heater Codes
- P0055 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2
- P0056 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2
- P0057 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 2
- P0058 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 2
Other Heater Resistance Codes
- P0053 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 1 Sensor 1
- P0054 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 1 Sensor 2
- P0059 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 1
Browse the complete Pro Street diagnostic libraries:
- Complete OBD-II Guide: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-obdii/
- B-Code Guide: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/b-code-obd-ii-codes/
- C-Code Guide: https://my.prostreetonline.com/dtc-doctor/c-code-obd-ii-codes/
