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P0060 Code Explained: HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2 Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0060 code displayed on an OBD-II scanner with the Bank 2 Sensor 2 downstream oxygen sensor highlighted for heater resistance testing.

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:

Common causes of P0060 include:

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:

P0060 Quick Facts

ItemInformation
OBD-II CodeP0060
DescriptionHO2S Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2
CategoryPowertrain
SystemEmissions
SensorBank 2 Sensor 2
Sensor LocationDownstream (After Catalytic Converter)
SeverityLow
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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

CodeDescription
P0055Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0056Heater Control Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0057Heater Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0058Heater Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 2
P0060Heater Resistance Bank 2 Sensor 2

Generally:

Symptoms of P0060

Common symptoms include:

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:

5. Damaged Wiring

Inspect for:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Record freeze-frame data.

Step 2: Locate Bank 2 Sensor 2

Verify:

Replacing the wrong oxygen sensor remains surprisingly common.

Step 3: Inspect Wiring

Look for:

Step 4: Inspect Connector

Inspect for:

Step 5: Measure Heater Resistance

Disconnect the sensor.

Measure heater resistance across the heater terminals.

Possible readings include:

Always compare readings with manufacturer specifications.

Step 6: Verify Power Supply

Inspect:

Step 7: Perform Voltage Drop Testing

Measure voltage drop across:

High-resistance circuits frequently appear normal during continuity testing.

Step 8: Compare With Bank 1 Sensor 2

If both downstream sensors are identical, compare:

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:

  1. Clear all DTCs.
  2. Perform a cold start.
  3. Monitor heater operation.
  4. Complete an OBD-II drive cycle.
  5. Confirm readiness monitors complete.
  6. Verify P0060 does not return.

Common Repairs and Costs

RepairEstimated 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:

Vehicles Commonly Affected

P0060 commonly appears on:

Exact heater resistance specifications vary by manufacturer.

How to Prevent P0060

Reduce the likelihood of P0060 by:

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:

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.

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