P0961 Horch 853 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0961 Horch 853 code definition:
P0961 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Horch 853.

P0961 Horch 853 is described as Oxygen Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected (Bank 1, Sensor 1). This means there's a problem in the front oxygen sensor on Bank 1, as the O2 sensor is inactive. Any code that causes the vehicle's engine to die while running should be fixed as soon as possible, as it can be dangerous for both the vehicle and the passengers of the vehicle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0961 Horch 853 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Hesitation upon acceleration
Excessive exhaust leak
Rich or lean exhaust
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF

Common Misdiagnoses

IC Circuit High Voltage Problem
Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Now, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0961 Horch 853 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P0961 Horch 853.

Fortunately, P0961 Horch 853 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.