Error P0141 – how to fix?

Code definition P0141

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

What does the code P0141 mean?

P0141 is a generic OBD-II code which indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has tested the O2 sensor heater circuit and detected a problem with the oxygen sensor heater circuit Bank 1, Sensor 2.

What causes the P0141 code?

The ECM tests the O2 sensor heater circuits on initial start-up and detects a short, open, or excessive current draw on the bank 1, sensor 2, sensor 2 heater O2 circuit.

What are the symptoms of the P0141 code?

• The engine may be running on too rich a mixture because the engine is in an open circuit.
• The engine may run poorly and start fouling the spark plugs, causing misfire.
• The Check Engine light will come on.

How does the mechanic diagnose the P0141 code?

• Check electrical connections or harness shield to O2 sensor 2 bank 1.
• Scan the codes and document the data from the frozen frame, then erase the codes to verify the fault.
• Monitors O2 sensor data to verify that the heater circuit is operational for bank 1 of sensor 2.
• Checks power supply to the O2 sensor heater circuit
• Verify that the O2 sensor heater circuit has the appropriate resistance against specification
• For further diagnostics, spot tests recommended by the manufacturer should be performed.

Common Errors Diagnosing Code P0141?

Follow these simple tips to avoid misdiagnosis:

• Check for water ingress into the O2 wiring harness causing a short circuit in the sensor.
• Check the O2 sensor for oil or coolant contamination from engine leaks.
• Check the new O2 sensor to make sure that the heating circuit is working properly after the replacement.
• Check the removed O2 sensor for damage caused by a faulty catalytic converter that interrupted the sensor or clogged the sensor openings.

How serious is the P0141 code?

• The code is for the sensor behind the catalyst on the engine bank 1.
• The O2 sensors are the fuel control feedback that the ECM needs to properly control the injectors.
• The ECM can remain in open loop until the O2 system is repaired or the O2 sensor is restarted.
• An engine stuck in open loop will run very rich, burn more fuel, and start warming up.

What repairs can fix the code P0141?

1. Clear fault codes and perform a road test to try to verify the fault.
2. Replace O2 sensor in bank 1 sensor 2
3. Repair or replace the wiring or the bank 1 O2 sensor connection to the sensor 2 sensor.
4. Replace the O2 sensor heating circuit fuse.

Additional notes regarding the P0141 code

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