AutoCodesGeneric – P0141

P0141 Code - O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0141 indicates O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open shorted, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
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Code Popularity 256,504
How popular is this code, among other codes? High
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Dec 27, 2022
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Code P0141 Description

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The HO2S must reach an operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. A heating element inside the HO2S minimizes the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. Voltage is provided to the heater by an ignition voltage circuit through a fuse. With the engine running, the ground is provided to the heater by the HO2S heater low control circuit through a low side driver within the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the HO2S heater operation to maintain a specific HO2S operating temperature range.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the HO2S 2 heater current is out of factory specifications.
OBDII Code P0141 - O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0141 Code - O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0141?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit fuse
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0141?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0141 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0141 Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0141?

The common symptoms of code P0141 include poor fuel economy, rough idling, failed emissions test, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 2 mean?

This code indicates that there is a malfunction in the heater circuit of the downstream (post-catalytic converter) oxygen sensor in bank 1 of the engine.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0141?

Common causes of code P0141 include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or issues with the engine control module.

4. How do I diagnose a P0141 code?

Diagnosing a P0141 code involves checking the oxygen sensor heater circuit with a multimeter for continuity, inspecting the wiring and connectors for damage, and ensuring the fuse related to the sensor is intact.

5. Can I drive my vehicle with a P0141 code?

It is generally safe to drive with a P0141 code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter and maintain optimal fuel efficiency.

6. How do I repair a P0141 code?

To repair a P0141 code, you may need to replace the faulty oxygen sensor, repair damaged wiring or connectors, replace the fuse if necessary, or address any issues with the engine control module.

7. Is it possible to reset the P0141 code without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting the code without addressing the underlying problem will only temporarily clear the check engine light. The code is likely to reappear until the root cause is resolved.

8. Can a P0141 code be caused by issues other than the oxygen sensor?

Yes, a P0141 code can also be triggered by problems such as a faulty engine control module, a blown fuse, or damaged wiring in the oxygen sensor circuit.

9. How much does it cost to repair a P0141 code?

The cost of repairing a P0141 code can vary depending on the cause of the issue, the labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to fix it yourself or seek professional help.

10. How often should the oxygen sensors be replaced to prevent P0141 codes?

Oxygen sensors typically have a lifespan of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and replace sensors as needed to prevent issues like code P0141.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0141 OBDII Code

  • where is the sensor located

  • What make, model and year is your vehicle?

  • Oxygen Sensor 1 (H2OS) where is it located in opel astra combi year 2004

  • Is there a fuse on a Toyota tundra O2 heat sensors and where is the sensor or fuse located

  • For your Toyota model year, there is not an specific fuse for the O2 sensor. The fuse power other components, including the Engine Control Module. If that fuse fails, the engine may not even starts.

    It's the #1 fuse and it's named "EFI". It's a 15 Amp fuse and powers the EFI relay as well.

  • I have a 199 Mercury mystique that sets a code 141 after 30 miles of driving. All three o2 sensor are showing normal output on my live data scanner, I have even moved them to different locations to compare readings, one is new, Bank 1 only has one sensor and I replaced that. What else would could cause this code to set?

  • What year is your Mystique? What is the engine size? Concentrate on the rear O2 sensor only. Front one have nothing to do with the code. Check if there is power at the violet wire of the rear sensor. If there is power, then the problem is the sensor. If the there is no power then the problem is the O2 sensor fuse or the wires from the fuse to the sensor.

  • It is a 1999 with a 2,5 v6 it has a front manifold cat conv, with an o2 upstream and down, and 1 o2 in the rear bank (closest to the firewall).
    I will look to see if its fused. Thanks

  • where is the fuse located on a 1998 ford f150 4.6 l

  • for me (after replacing the downstream o2 sensor in my 97 honda accord) this meant "you didn't plug in the new sensor all the way" (at the connector). This is the same error message that is "thrown" if you have no oxygen sensor plugged in at all, FWIW. It can also mean that your o2 sensor "is toast" as well (ex; melted wires). Or that PCM is toast, I suppose.

  • Thank you for the information.

  • What is the cause of my RX 300 bringing out black smoke through the exhaust pipe.

  • For the P0141 the problem is usually the Oxygen Sensor, as for the black smoke could be due to the bad sensor, leaking fuel injectors or bad Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Black smoke means there is too much fuel for the amount of air entering the engine during the combustion

  • I have a 2004 Honda Accord 2.4 LX. Where can I locate the heated oxygen sensor fuse? Also, if the code comes up together with a P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit, does that imply something?
    Thanks.

  • Does not imply anything, two separate problems.
    On you vehicle the power to the Heater Oxygen Sensor it is not supply by a fuse, but by the Engine Control Module (ECM). 99% of the times the problem is the sensor itself.

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