P0141
Fix within 1-2 weeksYour engine computer detected a problem with the heater circuit in the oxygen sensor located after the catalytic converter on the side of the engine with cylinder #1 (Bank 1 Sensor 2). The heater helps the sensor warm up quickly to provide accurate exhaust readings.
Code P0141 means your downstream oxygen sensor's heater circuit on Bank 1 is faulty. Common causes: Bad O2 sensor (85%), wiring issues (10%), blown fuse (3%). Drivability: Yes, safe to drive. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0141?
Yes, safe to drive
No restrictions, but fix within 1-2 weeks to avoid decreased fuel economy and emissions issues.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light (indicates a severe misfire), rotten egg smell from the exhaust (indicates catalytic converter overheating), or significant power loss.
Symptoms of P0141
- 1Check Engine Light is on
- 2Slight decrease in fuel economy
- 3Vehicle may fail an emissions test
Common Causes of P0141
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The internal heater element within the oxygen sensor has failed, preventing it from reaching operating temperature quickly.
85% of P0141 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Damaged, corroded, or loose wiring or a faulty connector can interrupt the power supply to the O2 sensor's heater circuit.
10% of P0141 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connectors
A blown fuse in the O2 sensor heater circuit will cut off power to the sensor's heater.
3% of P0141 cases are fixed by replacing a fuse
A rare internal fault in the engine computer's O2 sensor heater circuit driver can prevent the heater from functioning.
2% of P0141 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the O2 sensor wiring and connector for any damage, fraying, or corrosion.
- Check the fuse for the O2 sensor heater circuit in your vehicle's fuse box.
How to Diagnose P0141
- 1Visually inspect the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor's wiring and connector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
- 2Locate and check the fuse for the O2 sensor heater circuit in your vehicle's fuse box (consult your owner's manual or a wiring diagram).
- 3Unplug the O2 sensor and use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the two heater pins on the sensor itself. Compare to factory specifications.
- 4With the ignition on, use a multimeter to check for 12V power and ground at the O2 sensor connector (for the heater circuit pins).
- 5If the fuse, wiring, and power/ground are good, and the sensor's heater resistance is out of spec, replace the oxygen sensor.
P0141 on Popular Vehicles
Toyota Camry
2007-2024P0141 is common on Camry models, especially after 100,000 miles, often due to the sensor's heater element failing from age and heat exposure.
85% fixed by replacing the O2 sensor
Honda Accord
2003-2024Accord owners frequently report P0141, often linked to the Bank 1 Sensor 2 heater circuit failing, sometimes exacerbated by road salt corrosion on the wiring or connector.
85% fixed by replacing the O2 sensor
Honda Civic
2006-2024Civic models are prone to P0141, typically from the O2 sensor heater element degrading, especially in higher mileage vehicles.
85% fixed by replacing the O2 sensor
Ford F-150
2004-2024On F-150 trucks, P0141 can occur due to the O2 sensor's exposed location making it vulnerable to road debris or corrosion, leading to heater circuit failure or wiring damage.
85% fixed by replacing the O2 sensor
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024Silverado trucks can experience P0141, with the downstream O2 sensor heater circuit failing due to exhaust heat cycling and vibration over time.
85% fixed by replacing the O2 sensor
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0141 mean?
P0141 indicates a malfunction in the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor located after the catalytic converter on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder #1). This heater helps the sensor reach its operating temperature quickly.
Can I drive with P0141?
Yes, you can drive safely with a P0141 code. The vehicle's drivability will not be significantly affected, but your fuel economy might slightly decrease, and your vehicle will fail an emissions test. Fix this within 1-2 weeks.
Will P0141 clear itself?
No, P0141 will not clear itself. The underlying issue, typically a faulty O2 sensor heater or wiring problem, must be repaired. Once the repair is made, the code can be cleared with an OBD-II scanner, or it will clear after several drive cycles if the fault is no longer detected.
How do I fix P0141 myself?
Start by inspecting the O2 sensor's wiring and checking the relevant fuse. If those are good, you will likely need to replace the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor. You'll need an O2 sensor socket and a ratchet for this.
How much does it cost to fix P0141?
DIY repair costs for P0141 are typically $50-$200, primarily for a new oxygen sensor and a specialized O2 sensor socket. Professional repair at a shop will cost $150-$500, including parts and labor.
P0141 keeps coming back - why?
If P0141 keeps returning, it often means the initial diagnosis was incomplete. Double-check the wiring and connector for intermittent faults, ensure the fuse is correct and not blowing, or consider testing the voltage supply to the heater circuit. A rare PCM/ECM fault could also be the cause.
Will P0141 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, a P0141 code will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. The check engine light being on is an automatic failure in most jurisdictions, and the faulty O2 sensor heater prevents the emissions system from being ready.
What's the difference between P0141 and P0420?
P0141 specifically indicates a problem with the heater circuit of the downstream oxygen sensor. P0420 means the catalytic converter itself is not working efficiently. While a faulty O2 sensor (even just the heater) can contribute to a P0420 by providing inaccurate data, they are distinct codes pointing to different components.
P0141 on Honda Accord?
P0141 is a common code on Honda Accords, especially higher mileage models. The Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor's heater element often fails due to age and heat cycling. Inspecting the wiring for corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to road spray, is also important for Accords.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you check the O2 sensor heater circuit fuse and wiring before recommending a new sensor?
Good answer: Yes, I confirmed the fuse is good and there's no visible damage or corrosion to the wiring or connector. I also checked for proper voltage at the connector.
What resistance reading did you get from the O2 sensor's heater element?
Good answer: I measured the resistance across the heater pins, and it was outside the manufacturer's specified range, indicating an internal heater failure.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$200
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$500
Save $100-$300 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
0.5-2 hours
Intermediate. Replacing an O2 sensor requires specific tools like an O2 sensor socket and some mechanical aptitude, as sensors can be difficult to access or seize in the exhaust.
Cost of Waiting
Ignoring P0141 will lead to decreased fuel economy and your vehicle failing emissions tests. While less critical than an upstream O2 sensor, a continuously cold downstream sensor can provide inaccurate data, potentially causing the engine to run inefficiently and, in rare cases, contribute to premature catalytic converter wear over a long period. A $50-$200 O2 sensor replacement now prevents ongoing fuel waste and emissions failures.
While You're In There...
If you need to remove any exhaust components to access the O2 sensor, replacing old gaskets prevents exhaust leaks and ensures a proper seal.
Applying anti-seize to the threads of the new O2 sensor prevents it from seizing in the exhaust pipe, making future removal much easier.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scanner
- O2 sensor socket
- Ratchet and extensions
- Wrench set
- Multimeter
- Wire brush (for rusted threads)
- Anti-seize compound
P0141 is a very common code, and it usually points to a straightforward fix: replacing an oxygen sensor. Your engine is not in immediate danger, and the repair is typically under $200 for DIYers.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Inspect the Bank 1 Sensor 2 O2 sensor's wiring and connector for damage and check the relevant fuse. Repair or replace as needed.
Step 2: If the wiring and fuse are good, test the resistance of the O2 sensor's heater circuit with a multimeter. If it's out of specification, the sensor is faulty.
Step 3: Replace the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor. You'll likely need an O2 sensor socket for this job.