P0141 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)

P0141 code definition

O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)

What the P0141 code means

P0141 is the OBD-II generic code indicating the Engine Control Module (ECM) has tested the O2 sensor heater circuit and detects a problem with the bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor heater circuit.

What causes the P0141 code?

• The ECM tests the O2 sensor heater circuits at first startup and detects a short or open circuit, or an excessive current draw in the O2 bank 1 sensor 2 heater circuit.

What are the symptoms of the P0141 code?

• The engine may run excessively rich since the engine is in open loop.
• The engine may run rough and start to foul out spark plugs, causing misfires.
• The Check Engine Light will be illuminated.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0141 code?

• Checks the electrical connections or wire harness cover to the O2 bank 1 sensor 2
• Scans codes and documents freeze frame data, then clears codes to verify failure
• Monitors O2 sensor data to see if the heater circuit is working for bank 1 sensor 2
• Checks the O2 sensor heater circuit for power
• Checks the O2 sensor heater circuit for the proper resistance to specifications
• Follows the manufacturer's specific pinpoint tests for further diagnosis

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0141 code?

Follow these simple guidelines to prevent misdiagnosis:

• Check the O2 wire harness for water entry into the harness cover causing sensor shorts.

• Check the O2 sensor for oil or coolant contaminants from engine leaks.

• Scan the new O2 sensor to make sure the heater circuit works properly after replacement.

• Check the removed O2 sensor for damage from a defective catalyst by breaking the sensor or clogging sensor holes.

How serious is the P0141 code?

• The code is for the sensor behind the catalyst on the bank 1 of the engine.

• O2 sensors are the fuel control feedback the ECM needs to properly control the injectors.

• The ECM may stay in open loop until the O2 system is repaired or the O2 sensor starts working again.

• The engine stuck in open loop will run extra rich and will burn more fuel and start to carbon up.

What repairs can fix the P0141 code?

• Clearing the fault codes and performing a road test to try and verify a failure
• Replacing the O2 sensor for bank 1 sensor 2
• Repairing or replacing the wiring or connection to the O2 sensor for bank 1 sensor 2
• Replacing the fuse to the heater circuit for the O2 sensor heater circuit

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0141 code

The O2 sensor heater circuit for bank 1 sensor 2 is used to heat the internal parts of the O2 sensor on bank 1 sensor 2 only, and the code can be isolated just to this sensor.

Need help with a P0141 code?

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