P0141 OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
What does that mean?
This code means that the heated circuit in the oxygen sensor on bank 2 decreases time needed to enter closed loop. As the O2 heater reaches operating temperature, the oxygen sensor responds by switching according to oxygen content of the exhaust surrounding it. The ECM tracks how long it takes for the oxygen sensor to begin switching. It the ECM determines (based on coolant temp) that too much time elapsed before the oxygen sensor began operating properly, it will set P0141. See also: P0135 (Bank 1, Sensor 1).
Symptoms
You will likely notice poor fuel economy the illumination of the Check Engine Light.
Causes
A code P0141 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:
* open or short to ground in the wiring harness
* O2 heater circuit wiring high resistance
* O2 heater element resistance is high
* Internal short or open in the heater element
Note: Typically a failed catalytic converter does not cause this code. You're more likely to see a P0420 code for a failed converter.
Possible Solutions
* Replace oxygen sensor (cannot repair open or short that occurs internally to sensor)
* Repair short or open or high resistance in wiring harness or harness connectors
Bank 1 sensor 2 is the O2 sensor after the cat connected to cylinder #1. Based on the description and the work that you did, it very possible that when you re-installed the exhaust pipe, you either forgot to connect the O2 sensor to the connector, or you pulled the connector too far and it broke, so no continuity, or it just so happened that the sensor went bad. I believe your case is either scenario 1 or 2, unlikely 3. If after to check, you need to replace the sensor, make sure that you get the sensor for after the cat for bank 1 (cylinder 1). They look identical, but they are not the same.
Monday, July 6th, 2020 AT 5:45 PM
(Merged)