The downstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 (sensor 2) has an electric heater so it reaches its working temperature quickly. The control module switches the heater on the ground side and checks both the driver voltage against the commanded state and the heater current. GM fails it outside 0.3–2.5 A (two trips; pure circuit faults are P0036–P0038 there); Ford uses P0141 as its general heater circuit code with a current window of roughly 0.22–0.465 A minimum to 3 A maximum depending on sensor supplier. Without heat the sensor signal is useless, so converter monitoring and trim are suspended.
Low severity. Can I keep driving?Yes, you can keep driving, because this sensor has hardly any effect on driving. The real risk is that the illuminated light hides another fault and causes you problems at an emissions inspection.
Bank 1 is the side of the engine with cylinder 1. Inline engines only have this bank. Sensor 2 is the sensor after the catalytic converter.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
- Catalyst monitor readiness not set
- Follow-up codes P0140/P0136 possible
Most likely causes
- Heater element in the sensor burnt out (replace sensor)
- Heater supply (fuse, relay) or control wire open
- Short in the heater (current too high)
- Connector corroded, contact resistance
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: easy
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0141 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 1: Air and fuel
- 41: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0141?
Yes, you can keep driving, because this sensor has hardly any effect on driving. The real risk is that the illuminated light hides another fault and causes you problems at an emissions inspection.
What causes code P0141?
The most common causes are: heater element in the sensor burnt out (replace sensor); heater supply (fuse, relay) or control wire open; short in the heater (current too high).
Related codes
- P0036HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0037HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0038HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0054HO2S Heater Resistance Bank 1 Sensor 2
- P0161O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 2 Sensor 2
- P0147O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 3
Sources
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
- gsi.ext.gm.com: 18OBDG03A Engine Diagnostics
- saabwisonline.com: dtc p0036 p0037 p0038 or p0141 ldk with turbocharg
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.