P0141 code: O2 sensor heater circuit (bank 1 sensor 2)

What P0141 means

P0141 is a generic SAE J2012 powertrain code: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2). P means powertrain, 0 marks a generic definition, and the 1 places it in the fuel and air metering group. Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1, and sensor 2 is the downstream sensor mounted after the catalytic converter. On a 4-cylinder engine with one exhaust, it is simply the sensor after the converter.

The computer controls the heater and monitors its current or circuit voltage. If the heater draws too little or too much current, or the circuit is open or shorted, it sets P0141. The downstream sensor is mainly used to check the catalytic converter, so this code does not usually change how the engine runs. Decode any other codes with our code decoder.

Symptoms of P0141

Because the downstream sensor does not control fuel mixture on most vehicles, P0141 rarely affects fuel economy or performance on its own.

• Check engine light on
• Catalyst and O2 sensor readiness monitors not complete, so the car can fail inspection
• Usually no change in how the car drives
• Sometimes a related catalyst code such as P0420 if the sensor also reads poorly

Common causes of P0141

The sensor itself is the most common cause on many vehicles, but checking the fuse and connector first takes only a few minutes and can save the cost of a sensor.

How to diagnose P0141

A scan tool with live data and Mode 6 test results helps confirm the fix. See our picks for the best OBD2 scanner for DIY mechanics.

1. 1

   Read all codes and save the freeze frame. If several O2 heater codes are set at once, suspect a shared fuse or power feed.

2. 2

   Find the bank 1 sensor 2 connector. Inspect the wiring along the exhaust for melted insulation or chafing.

3. 3

   Check the O2 heater fuse.

4. 4

   With the key on, check for battery voltage on the heater power wire at the harness side of the connector.

5. 5

   Unplug the sensor and measure heater resistance across the two heater pins. Compare with the specification for your sensor. An open circuit means the heater has failed.

6. 6

   If power and resistance are good, check the ground or control wire back to the engine computer for continuity.

7. 7

   After the repair, clear the code and drive. Check that O2 heater and catalyst readiness monitors complete.

How to fix it and can you drive with P0141?

If the heater element is open, replace the sensor with the correct part for that position. An O2 sensor socket and penetrating oil help with a seized sensor; removing it with the exhaust warm, not hot, can make it easier. Route the new wiring the same way as the original so it stays clear of the exhaust.

You can drive with P0141. It is not a safety issue and rarely affects how the car runs. The main problems are that the car will not pass inspection and the check engine light cannot warn you of a new fault until it is fixed.

Note.Exhaust parts stay hot long after the engine is shut off. Let them cool and support the car on jack stands, never only a jack, if you work underneath.

Related codes

P0135 is the heater circuit code for bank 1 sensor 1, the upstream sensor. A failing downstream sensor can also contribute to P0420. See all engine codes.

Frequently asked questions

Which O2 sensor is bank 1 sensor 2? It is the oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on the side of the engine with cylinder 1. On a 4-cylinder with one exhaust, it is the sensor after the converter.

Can I just replace the fuse? If the fuse is blown, replace it, but find out why it blew. A shorted heater or wire rubbing on metal will blow it again.

Will P0141 cause bad gas mileage? Usually not. The downstream sensor mainly monitors the catalytic converter, so fuel economy is rarely affected by this code alone.

Do I need to clear the code after replacing the sensor? Clearing it turns the light off right away. If you do not clear it, the computer will turn the light off on its own after the heater test passes on several drives. Either way, monitors must complete before inspection. See how to clear the check engine light.