Emission controls · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0141: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0141 means the heater circuit inside the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 1, located after the catalytic converter, is not working correctly.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0141 sets
The bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen (O2) sensor contains an electric heater that brings it to operating temperature quickly. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors heater current or the voltage on its control circuit and sets P0141 if the heater circuit is open, shorted or out of the expected range. Monitoring methods differ between manufacturers.
Common causes of P0141
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Burned-out heater element inside the bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor
- Blown heater fuse
- Broken or corroded heater wiring
- Water-damaged connector under the vehicle
- PCM heater driver fault (rare)
P0141 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- No drivability symptoms in most cases
- Emissions readiness monitors may not complete
How P0141 is diagnosed
- Scan for codes; several heater codes at once point to a shared fuse or feed.
- Check the heater fuse.
- Unplug the sensor and measure the heater element resistance; an open reading means the heater has failed.
- Verify heater supply voltage with the key on.
- Check the ground or PCM-controlled side of the heater circuit.
Typical fixes for P0141
- Replace the bank 1 sensor 2 oxygen sensor
- Replace a blown fuse after locating the short
- Repair damaged wiring or connector
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
P0141 is commonly reported across many makes as downstream sensors age, since their heaters cycle on every start. Some manufacturers report this fault with P0036-P0038 heater codes instead; definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0141 FAQ
What does code P0141 mean?
P0141 means the heater circuit inside the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 1, located after the catalytic converter, is not working correctly. The standard definition is "O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)."
Can I drive with a P0141 code?
Yes. P0141 rarely affects how the car runs, but the downstream sensor may be slow to become active, which can delay emissions monitors and cause an inspection failure.
Can a fuse cause P0141?
Yes. Oxygen sensor heaters are powered through a fuse, and if it blows, every heater on that circuit stops working, which often sets several heater codes together.
Do I need to replace both downstream sensors for P0141?
No. P0141 refers only to bank 1 sensor 2. Replace the other sensor only if it has its own fault.
Keep researching
More emission controls codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.