P2241 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit Low Bank 2 Sensor 1

What the P2241 code means?

P2241 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the O2 sensor for bank 2 sensor 1 has a low voltage for the heater control circuit of the O2 sensor. The ECM test the sensor circuit after the engine is warmed up.

What causes the P2241 code?

• The O2 sensor bank 2 sensor 1 has a short or high resistance in the heater circuit external or internal of the sensor.

• The wiring or connector for the O2 sensor has corrosion in the connections causing excessive resistance.

• The heater power relay contacts are not allowing enough voltage to get through.

What are the symptoms of the P2241 code?

• The Check Engine light will be illuminated and the code is set in ECM memory as a fault.

• The ECM will turn off the Check Engine light if three drive cycles pass without another failure.

• The ECM may go into failure mode fuel control on most manufacturer vehicles.

• The engine may have different drivability symptoms depending on the manufacture failure mode controls.

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2241 code?

• Scans for codes and documents the code in the ECM and looks at the freeze frame data for failure.

• Checks the O2 sensor heater circuit compared to the other O2 sensors to be the same voltage input and control voltages.

• Checks the O2 heater circuit for open or short circuit in the sensor heater.

• Tests the O2 sensor wiring is not shorted to the power relay or ground.

• Checks the wiring harness for shorts or open circuits from the O2 sensor to the ECM.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2241 code?

• Clearing ECM memory codes before checking the freeze frame data for the main failure problem, so the failure may be duplicated and repaired

• Failing to verify the failure before replacing the O2 sensor

How serious is the P2241 code?

Code P2241 is a code indicating the O2 sensor heater circuit is open or shorted causing the circuit voltage control to be low. This will cause the fuel feedback control to not work and the ECM to put the engine into failure mode. This will also cause the vehicle to fail emissions testing.

What repairs can fix the P2241 code?

• Replace the O2 sensor for an open or high resistance in the heater circuit.
• Repair the wiring connector or wiring to the O2 sensor of corrosion.
• Replace the power relay for the heater circuit due to a burned out or shorted circuit that the pinpoint test indicated the relay is not passing enough voltage through its contacts.

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2241 code

Code P2241 is caused most commonly from an internal failure of the heater circuit inside the O2 sensor. The excessive resistance in the heater circuit will cause the voltage back to the ECM to be below specifications and cause the code to be generated. Also, check the heater supply circuit for bad relay contacts.

Need help with a P2241 code?

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