Code P0141 Definition
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2) – Downstream
Code P0141 Meaning
Heated oxygen sensors contain heating elements to help them get to operating temperature quickly in order to minimize the amount of time spent before they can provide feedback to the powertrain control module. Sensor two is downstream of the catalytic converter ensures the catalytic converter is operating efficiently by monitoring the air-fuel ratio coming out of the catalytic converter. Code P0141 occurs when the powertrain control module tests the downstream heated oxygen sensor’s heater circuit on Bank 1 and detects a short in the circuit or excessive resistance in the heater circuit.
P0141 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light is on
- Engine running rough
- Decreased fuel economy
P0141 Causes
- Faulty rear most oxygen sensor
- Faulty wiring/connections
- Short or open ground in the wiring
Code P0141 Severity – Low to Moderate
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) does not need to be attended to immediately, but this DTC could result in more costly repairs in the future.
Code P0141 Common Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacing the oxygen sensor when the issues could actually lie in the catalytic converter, wiring/connections, or an exhaust leak before the oxygen sensor.
Code P0141 Diagnosis Steps
Tools Needed to Diagnose:
- Repair Manual
- Multimeter
How To Diagnose P0141
This video does a great job of outlining the diagnostic process for P0141, but we have provided an overview below:
- Do a road test. Clear the fault codes with your FIXD sensor and drive around to verify a failure.
- If the Check Engine Light comes back on continue to Step 2
- Check that the O2 sensor is getting battery voltage by using your multimeter.
- Consult your vehicle repair manual to locate the harness connector for the O2 sensor
- Disconnect the harness connector and turn the ignition to the on position (do not crank car)
- Test O2 sensor for proper voltage with a multimeter using the instructions from your vehicle’s repair manual.
- Visually check the electrical connections, wire harness, and metal tabs in terminals for any damages
- Damages found? Replace O2 Sensor – Clear code
- No damage? Continue on to Step 4
- Check the engine ground – Consult your repair manual to find where the engine ground is located
- Corrosion? Loose connections? Remove corrosion/tighten and restart the diagnostic process
* Still having trouble finding the issue with your vehicle? Please take it to the nearest auto shop so that they may check other possible issues including the Engine Control Module (ECM).
Comments 15
Kelly P
August 10, 2018I get intermittent fuel gauge operation, no dome lights when doors are opened, cleaned o2 sensor plug in connection it was rusty or filled with rust-colored corrosion and the temperature control thermostat is malfunctioning needs to be replaced. Will that cause the rear most o2 sensor to malfunction? Thank you.
Mareea
October 25, 2019Had this coder it was a seal leaking on the cover additionally the circut were greased and the connections feeding the sensor and had a similar lean mix in turn the code are 1/1 and for this po141 is a 40 one need the air intake and doing from the filter box the other 41 is the the circut with the air mix that spots the double hoses and then wipe off water and moisture from the fuel injectors , not code but a rinse would do it much harm though out of these codes were found after other minor exhaust upgraded gasket mounts holders hangers that the cat is the cause isn’t , maybe it could help diagnose and wipe the parts extra with water dispenser and unconnect that battery and bit and away you go also check the car for powertrain ECM module by taking off the negative the one thing is no code to erase and is like car thrush so don’t forget to do a fill and trip s that was hard choosing what to do and mix is so the fuel stay rich doesn’t mean dirty
blayblade
March 1, 2020Really! Is english this posters native language?! It all sounds like a bunch of jibberish! Maybe i’m too old to read between the lines! It was impossible to make heads or tails of this posters comments! It simply amazes me the online posts i read that are like 2nd graders with a very limited grasp of vocabulary or grammar of the english language! C’mon folks, get real-take a moment to read your comments before posting, use spell correct, a thesaurus, a dictionary. Simply read it and determine whether it makes sense or not! Sheesh!!!
Stacy Reazin
October 19, 2018I think the information is very helpful and at what location is the mechanic in the photo? 😉
Julius Davids
April 19, 2019Awesome info , this is great
Mike Primacio
June 8, 2019Very helpful info to detail. Thanks Fixd!!
Lauren
June 26, 2019So if my check engine light stays off, after oil change and reset of the service engine, it’s good?
Dinjuan
July 20, 2019Theres mire to it than that layra. You have to drive it for about an hour or two. Look up getting obd emissions readt car
Lenyoa
July 19, 2019When the check engine light remain on what are the cause and how to clear it
actual multiple monitors keygen
August 4, 2019Thank You for this!
Tshepo
August 6, 2019My engine keeps on cranking I’ve even changed the crankshaft sensor bt it still cranks,plz help me
William Charles Corall
October 8, 2019what does it mean bank 1?
Amy
December 30, 2019Lauren, Drive 50 miles first to see if the dash lights come back on after you turned them off through the app.
dave
December 11, 2019bank 1 = pre cat sensor
bank 2=post cat sensor
Jordan Chambers
November 27, 2020I have a 98 chevy tahoe… My fixd says i have a bad oxygen sensor in back one… The downstream sensor… My truck will start and i can drive somewhere but then when i turn it off it acts like its not getting any fuel and wont start again for several hours… Can my bad sensor be the cause of this??
Jeff
January 24, 2020Sorry, bank 1 refers to whichever bank the number 1 cylinder is located. On a V6 or V8 (depending on the firing order) could be either located on left or right hand side of the engine. Upstream refers to pre cat and downstream refers to post cat.
sander
September 25, 2020Dave you are wrong. Bank 1 and Bank 2 refer to the two sides of V engine.
‘Upstream” refers to pre cat and “downstream” refers to post cat.
sander
September 25, 2020Or front and back in a transverse engine.
Frank
January 11, 2021I just replaced the down stream O2 sensor, but unable to clear the engine trouble code, I think I have to wait until I at least drive 30 miles or so, before I can try to clear the code again.