P0141 – O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)

P0141 Code

With the Check Engine Light on the dashboard, the code scanner becomes your best friend. Your OBD-II scanner might reveal the P0141 code, but what does this mean?

In this guide, we take a closer look at the causes, symptoms and meaning of the P0141 trouble code. With this information, you’ll be able to figure out the most appropriate fix to turn that light off once again. 

Code P0141 Definition

P0141 – O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)

What Does the P0141 Code Mean?

P0141 DTC stands for Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction on Bank 1, Sensor 2. It shows that the onboard heater circuit isn’t operating normally on the downstream oxygen sensor from bank 1. With a fault in the heater circuit, the PCM sets the P0141 trouble code. 

This generic trouble code is very similar to P0135, except that it is located within sensor 1 on bank 1 instead. When the oxygen sensor heater reaches the operating temperature, the sensor responds by switching to normal performance. The PCM is responsible for tracking how long it takes to begin this process. If the process takes too long, the P0141 code will be set. In rare cases,  a faulty PCM can cause a false code, but there will likely be others as well. 

RELATED: Bank 1 vs Bank 2 – Sensor 1 & 2 (Locate O2 Sensors)

P0141 Trouble Code Symptoms

In most situations, the P0141 trouble code is only going to lead to a Check Engine Light. Overall, there shouldn’t be any major symptoms occurring, which gives drivers a false sense of security.

Here are a few symptoms the P0141 DTC might cause:

Causes of the P0141 Code

Because the code relates to the oxygen sensor, it’s most common that this part needs to be replaced. However, the only way to determine what’s going on is to do a proper diagnosis.

Here are the most common P0141 DTC causes:

How Serious is the P0141 Code?

Medium – Because there are only a few symptoms noticed with the P0141 DTC, it’s common to keep driving with this code on. However, there are some problems with this thought.

First, with the Check Engine Light on, it’s tough to tell if anything else is going wrong. Additionally, driving with imbalances can lead to other damage, which will cost you more to fix in the long run. 

What Repairs Can Fix the P0141 Code?

After you perform a complete diagnosis, you should be able to figure out the right fix to perform. We list some steps below to help you figure it out.

Consider these possible P0141 code fixes.

  • Replace oxygen sensor 
  • Repair damaged circuit, wiring or connections
  • Replace fuse
  • Update/replace PCM 

Common P0141 Diagnosis Mistakes

If you search online to find the cause of the P0141 trouble code, you will find a lot of sites saying that the catalytic converter can be to blame. Even reputable sites are sharing this data, which isn’t accurate.

In most cases, the catalytic converter isn’t going to cause this code to set. Instead, you would see P0420 in the code scanner when the converter fails. 

How to Diagnose the P0141 Trouble Code

Even if you aren’t a professional mechanic, we can help you figure out what’s going on. With some simple tools and a minimal amount of expertise, you can get to the bottom of what’s going on. Follow all of the guidelines that are set in your car’s service manual.

Aside from what you find in the manual, you can also perform these steps.

  1. Scan the engine for codes. If there are other codes beyond P0141 present, you should look at these first. 
  2. Check the wiring and connectors around the oxygen sensor. If there’s any damage, you want to repair this.
  3. With a multimeter, you can check the oxygen sensor. Disconnect the sensor’s harness connector before you turn ON the ignition. Don’t start the engine. Test the oxygen sensor for voltage with your multimeter. You can find the proper specifications in your car’s service manual.
  4. If there is no voltage coming to the oxygen heating circuit, check the fuse.
  5. If everything looks good, remember to check the engine ground connection. It could be loose or corroded. 

Beyond these steps, you will need help from a professional mechanic to go on any further. Any updates or replacement of the PCM should be done by a certified mechanic. 

Estimated P0141 Repair Cost

After your diagnostic steps are performed, you should know exactly what repair is needed. If you can’t perform the repair yourself, you will need to pay for parts and labor. We estimate some of these charges based on the most common fixes. 

  • Replace oxygen sensor – $125-$450
  • Repair damaged circuit, wiring or connections – $50-$550
  • Update/replace PCM – $250-$2,500

Mechanics Tips about the P0141 Code

This code can often be triggered by a blown fuse to the oxygen heating circuit. However, it is not enough to replace the fuse in most cases. It’s almost always blown either by a bad oxygen sensor or a short circuit in the wirings.

There are multiple trouble codes that are closely related to the P0141 DTC. While these all relate to one another, there are different meanings and fixes for each. That’s why each needs to be dealt with separately.

If you aren’t sure what these codes mean, go ahead and research them on our site. We have comprehensive trouble code guides to help you fix your car on your own.

Categories: OBD Codes

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