OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
The heating element inside the downstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 is open-circuit, drawing no current, or drawing too much. Without heater, the sensor takes much longer to reach operating temperature, delaying catalyst diagnosis.
Is it safe to drive with P0141?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyHeater element open-circuit
- PossibleHeater fuse blown
Symptoms
- Check engine light on after several drive cycles
- Slightly increased fuel consumption during cold start
- Delayed entry into closed-loop fuel control
- Failed emissions inspection (lambda readiness)
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.3–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Oxygen Sensor Downstream, Oxygen Sensor Heater Relay
Related codes
- P0135O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
- P0155O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 1)
- P0161O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 2, Sensor 2)
- P013EO2 Sensor Delayed Response - Rich to Lean Bank 1 Sensor 2
- P013FO2 Sensor Delayed Response - Lean to Rich Bank 1 Sensor 2
- P0140O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity / Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0142O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0143O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
- P0144O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 3)
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.