P0141 Diagnosing O2 Sensor Heater Failure Codes -EricTheCarGuy

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Article on P0141 and O2 heater code failures: www.ericthecarguy.com/componen...
OBDII code listings: www.ericthecarguy.com/obd-ii-c...
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O2 sensor heater failures are quite common in my experience. It's a high resistance circuit that's on all the time when the vehicle is running, the heater elements go from being very hot to very cold in the winter time, I suspect these heat cycles eventually wear the elements down and as a result they eventually fail. No matter what the cause a quick check of the heater circuit can save you a lot of trouble down the road so the next time you run into an O2 sensor heater failure code I suggest you do this quick check before replacing a sensor. You might also want to check out the article that I wrote above for more information on O2 sensor operation and why they use a heater inside them.
Stay dirty
ETCG
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[@thec4ke]

Great job getting yourself out of a tough situation. This is the main reason I watch your show; the stuff you wont find in a text book or service manual, that you really only learn from experience.

[@brianoreilly3827]

I bought a new Bosch O2 sensor online, got it in the mail, put it in the car, and got the P0141 code. Thanks to this video, I was able to identify and then test it's heater wires resistance vs the original sensor (which worked fine, I just couldn't get it out of the old cat, which was the broken part I was replacing) and saw it wasn't holding a steady ohm reading like the original sensor was. I replaced the Bosch with another new Bosch, tested it before installing, and it was holding a steady resistance. Installed it - no more CEL. Thanks again Eric, you made my day!

[@auroracampos1162]

Brian can u help Me to whre is located that sensor on my 97 Nissan maxima gxe .thanks

[@TubeMistake]

Thanks for your informative video. I used your approach successfully on my 1998 RL. A couple of points. Move both the top and bottom of the passenger seat as fa forward as possible. Instead of lowering via hanger knock down, remove the heat shield (looks like about 8 10mm bolts). This allows you much better access to the sensor and prevents damaging the rubber doodads. Finally, be careful with after market O2 sensors. Mine while very cheap at $33,, had slightly different threads which made it almost impossible to install.

[@DrHook1020]

Eric, I want to thank you SO much for all the info you've given in this video. I've searched for about half an hour before I saw your video and all I could find out was to test the resistance in the O2 sensor, but they didn't tell me HOW to do it. Not only did you tell us how, but you SHOWED us how. I have an '01 Honda CRV 2.0 liter 4-cyl. with the P0141 code and I will now try to determine (using your tutelage!) whether or not I'll have to replace the sensor or if I have a bigger problem. I also have a misfire in all four cylinders and a random cylinder misfire code P1399, so I'll be looking for more of your videos. Thank you VERY much! Your info and video could not have been better.

[@harryschultze6690]

Eric, I have a 98 Toyota Corolla and my Downstream sensor has been showing and engine light for about 2 years now. I was told not to worry about it by two different Auto Parts places when they check the code. Recently though a few times I have had trouble when the car was cold the most recent time the car went fine at very slow speed but as soon as you press on the gas it didn't want to go anywhere! It also has a 4-wire harness set up to the oxygen sensor. Now this makes perfect sense to me why the car runs fine when the car is warmed up and I get crappy runs at times when it's cold. It's the internal heater on the O2 sensor that has gone bad! Thank you so much for this video and the explanation. Unfortunately on my car they say you have to pull the seat out in order to change it and hopefully it doesn't break or strip the threads when my mechanic changes it out. Unfortunately this means big bucks for the labor but I cannot do it at myself at this point due to health concerns. Thanks again for letting me know why my sensor went bad this was the best video I have found about this subject period.

[@waynehutchinson1423]

I really appreciate the time it is taken you to work on this with the lifting the thing.Most of you fans don't have a lift in there Garage, and all the help channels use one,except Scott.Thank you

[@seemo144]

Eric you are the man! I love that your videos are clear, well edited, funny, and plentiful. I have learned a ton! Thanks so much!!

[@nailedit.]

Thank you Eric for step-by-step process explanation. Helps a lot. Thank you Sir, keep going with your vids.

[@evil1656]

Agreed. Especially when you can't see the meter or are focusing on keeping probes on pins. Easy audible confirmation makes for less stress when troubleshooting. Keep up the good work Eric.

[@theloosemoose8200]

working under a car without a lift SUCKS !!!

[@MarcAndredeLaRonde]

Big job for a small sucker ! I liked your "try to remain calm" !! :)

[@twochillywolf]

Eric, you've helped me time and time again. Thanks so much for your time and efforts.

[@HerZong]

Eric you are doing an excellent job fixing the car and video. I very much appreciate it, it's very helpful. We need to see more of what you fixing cars. Again thank you very much.

[@dlroberts20020]

Hello any advice... I have a 2005 Trailblazer and getting codes : P0153 and P0054 and P0053. I recently placed both O2 sensors and still have the codes. Could it be the Cat?

[@ericthecarguy]

Dude if the resistance I should see is below 100ohms what's the difference?

[@chrisvill54]

Eric thanks for all the lessons. I have learned so much from you. I recently had this code on my 99 grand am se. I tested the resistance on the 02 sensor and I was getting about 7 ohms on my meter. I tested the 02 sensor and I'm getting 7 ohms resistance. I tested a new sensor and I get 5 ohms. I tested the connector going to the 02 sensor and I get voltage but it was not always present even with car hot and running. is it suppose to always receive voltage once the car is warm?

[@rustylugzz]

i envy your patience no way i could film and attempt repairs. however i dont do it for a living. im sure id have wiz wheeled the heat shield out of my way nice work

[@guerdmustapha3196]

vraiement vous etes un artiste et non un etectromecanicien un grand merci a vous eric

[@despat3193]

Guerd Mustapha english please!

[@Sonyag1]

The info was superb. Thanks Eric. Your video's really helped me on my Honda Accord V6...

[@pagutier]

Great video, thanks for the info, helped me a lot to understand P0141 in my car.

[@gildoubrava5998]

Glad I watched it all. Thank you very much!

[@meggatron3]

6 year old video and its exactly what I needed almost exact same car thanks

[@VoodooZ]

Great info. And entertaining to boot! Thanks Eric.

[@Ladco77]

This is the part of working on cars I hate the most. A simple repair like an O2 sensor ends up meaning partially dropping the exhaust for the "easy" option. I just changed the water pump on my '04 GMC and was greeted with the P0161 code. I can't imagine how I damaged any wiring replacing the water pump, but at least now I know how to test the sensor. Thank you!

[@stegasoul]

thanks, Mr the Car Guy - always good and helpful stuff!

[@JM-oq2dp]

Hey eric had a question. When u test a 02 sensor, is it suppose to be hot or cold when tested. Also is this the same process for the upstream ans downstream sensor. Let me know

[@jeffscomp]

Thanks for another great video Eric

[@kengodoy7417]

Great video and tutorial, thanks! Had a P0161 code, O2SB2S2 on my 2004 Toyota Highlander 2.4L. Was told a good way to narrow down if only the sensor is bad and not something upstream, I could swap O2 sensors to see if the code would jump to the other bank; luckily on this vehicle it was an easy swap, Swapped sensors, sure enough, the P0161 code went away and got the P0141, O2SB1S2. Now I know for sure the sensor is bad and not something controlling it. A bit unorthodox, but effective. Thx again for your videos.

[@Ivftinianvs]

Tip: If anyone is having trouble breaking an O2 sensor loose, this worked for me: Soak it for a couple of days with liquid wrench (penetrating oil). Then, run the engine until at operating temperature. This uses heat from exhaust gases to expand the manifold or exhaust pipe or cat to make it less tight on the sensor's threads.

[@Evangelistaadventures]

Great and useful videos as always!! Thank you Eric!!

[@Customsouthernarms]

I had this same code. I replaced the 02 sensor and reset the check engine light. The code came back immediately. I took the new 02 sensor out and checked the ohm. The brand new Bosch sensor was reading 186.5! I went back to the parts store and swapped it out. I checked the second one at the counter. It read 2.6. Went home and installed the second new one. No issues so far. I waisted several hours looking for a short in my wiring. Tip of the day, check all new sensors before you install them!

[@mikaylaboo1]

Eric, you are an awesome mechanic. I wish you lived in my town.

[@empmcd4424]

Hi Can u tell me which diagnostic scanner I should buy for my Hyndai Accent 2006 car? which help to engine or air bag light.

[@BigMoneyProductions925]

Eric I need your help! I had this code on my friends 01 kia spectra, replaced the 02 sensor and code is still there even after I reset the check engine light. What else could be the problem?

[@beomsukim3929]

Thanks for your excellent video!

[@davenerr]

Thanks for the vid Eric,keep up the great job.

[@juanyboo12345]

thank you Eric for every job welll done always to help us and teach us God bless you men i learn a lot from you have a good day bro

[@RobbieHerrera]

Thank you! This helped me a lot. It's nice to be able to test the O2 sensors to determine which are bad before replacing.

[@bell92661]

UR VIDOES ARE THE BEST! SO MUCH IN DEPTH THANKS A LOT

[@gardnerpatton1577]

There are always unexpected problems when fixing cars. I liked how he showed how to work around them.

[@rockyloccgarage2040]

exactly why im here

[@lextincteur]

Replaced both B1S1 and B1S2 sensors with NGK. I read that they are the same brand as the originals (Dodge Dakota). After 200 miles, CEL comes on, indicating P0135 and P0141. Translation: Heater circuit for both O2 sensors. Is this another issue like running Bosch versus factory original sensors in a Chrysler product? I had replaced both sensors due to a P0420 code originally(Catalyst efficiency).

[@liegelr]

Worked for me! Even easier to get to on my 2006 accord. Was interesting that mine failed on the coldest day my car's seen in 4 years...wonder if that "helped" it fail at all? Thanks as always!

[@gp3yt]

Eric, is the Actron scanner you use in this video a good scanner for the home DIY'er like myself? I have a 2011 Element and would be nice to scan / clear codes. Great how-to as usu.

[@rosarioguadalupe6424]

I have a 2000 BMW 328i, no check engine light on, but failed smog test today for cat and 02 monitors not being ready. The problem is I have never disconnected the battery, cleared the codes, jumped another vehicle or any thing else that would effect the monitor readiness. And I drive it everyday all over, mimicking many different drive cycles. I was told that a lot of times if the cigarette lighter is not working, the memory could be malfunctioning . Could this be a blown fuse? I'm wondering if this is true and if so do you know of any way to confirm this or any other or things that could be effecting the monitor readiness?

[@Anthony-ir8dy]

Eric if my post cat sensor runs 100 percent duty cycle all the time except for sometimes when I run the car hard the D.C. Drops occasionally and the heating element is within spec would that mean bad cat? Sometimes I smell sulfur too.

[@rmdyjoe]

Eric, We just changed all O2 sensors on my daughters 2003 Ford Escape v6 4x4. Getting the P0141 Bank 1 Sensor 2 (not pending but stored code) and sometimes if you rev engine the temp guage goes up to red/overheat level. Any ideas??

[@VanillaWahlberg]

@EricTheCarGuy I have a 2005 dodge neon that I replaced the downstream o2 sensor on. I had a code p0138 and after I changed it, I now have a code p0141. I don't know what to do, because it's saying the sensor is bad. Do I just need to check voltages running to the sensor?

[@monicaburgueno4664]

Good videos thanks Erick

[@catchmp82]

Great job. Thank you for the info!

[@oreolainey]

Hi Eric, had the P0141 code pop up on my vehicle as well. I checked the resistance of both upstream and downstream sensors and all is well. So if the sensors are working properly and I still get this code, what would be the next thing to troubleshoot? Any information would be much appreciated, thanks!

[@carloshreyes77]

I have 02 honda accord, I ready replaced O2 sensor Bank 1, I replaced the catalyst and still have the same code bank 1. Any idea what is the problem thanks

[@tletang]

I have 98 f150 xlt I had codes p0171 and p0174 so I looked for a vacuum leak. I found that the pcv valve hose was completely rotten so I replaced it. I cleared those two codes then went for a drive. When I got back I checked the codes again and p0171 and p0174 had returned along with p0161. I'm going to change the O2 sensor and go from there I think. Any suggestions?

[@olatunjiolatinwo9933]

Excellent job.

[@chrisslim24]

Hey Eric quick question! 🙋🏻‍♂️- I have an ‘05 Acura TL and my O2 sensor has 5 pins! Solid blue, solid yellow, solid black, solid, white, and a solid light gray. I think I figured which are power, ground and signal, but my oms reading says 3.5♎️. On my vehicle harness side I am getting 12v power so I known harness is good. I am getting that P0141 and P0161 for bank 1&2. If I get any kinds of resistance from sensor, should I assume is good or is there a range for what would be considered a good and bad sensor? Thanks for all your videos and help!

[@arpag]

Eric can you tell me were is the obd2 port on a Civic aerodeck (MB9) Ican´t seem to find it! Thank you!

[@eternal7_gaming340]

Blessings I have a question what if I’m not getting any bolts to the connector that’s coming from the car what should I be looking for? Or could you tell me the proper name of that connector

[@harooncassim4457]

hi eric. thanks for sharing this awesome info. question. on my opel meriva 2007 im getting the same fault code saying o2 sensor faulty. will this o2 sensor cause the car not to start in the mornings when it is cold? it battles only on the first start in the morning once it starts the rest of the day starting it is not as issue. thanks alot

[@BigMoneyProductions925]

Also, wen I replaced the o2 sensor I noticed that it was a different size from the factory sensor. Does this make a difference?

[@speckspeck]

very cool presentation, best of luck to you

[@zacharyvillanueva1134]

Eric, Ive never changed 02 sensor voltage regulator. I had my engine light code read at Rileys and it says my 02 sensor voltage regulator is low. Please help

[@pumkinhead6636]

'always like your videos. No gloss in your description of the work at hand. Practical answers and analysis of difficult problems (ie corroded exhaust bolts) .........

[@chng47lee]

Hi Eric thank you for videos. I had test for the ny state inspection. The machine generates two msgs and failed the test. The msgs are monitor catalyst not ready and monitor o2 not ready , I drove more than 100 miles and test again still failed. Is this sensor or computer connection problem , I dont know what to do . I need your advise.

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

You do great work

[@Shokenryu]

My 2005 Dakota 4x4 SLT 200k miles is putting out all four of my o2 senor codes. p0057, p0031, p0037, p0051 could it be a faulty catalytic converter or is it the PCM? This is my first o2 fault.

[@spelunkerd]

When you said that if you can't get the old O2 sensor off, you need to get 'creative', what would you do? Would you weld a nut over a new hole adjacent to the old sensor and install the new sensor beside the old?

[@CENTAUR559]

can the sensors be interchangeable if it's the same bank with the same type of plug? Like using a sensor 1 on the sensor 2?

[@micinum]

question, with OBD2 and a software in idle there are 2 sensors one is constantly changing value 0.4v to 0.7v like every second and the other stays on 0.4v. is that normal for the first one to change value all the time ?

[@dariogalvan3172]

Hey Eric so does this apply to a 2005 4 cyl accord?

[@mechanicandskills7215]

I am sure by now you upgraded your code reader. But how did that actron code reader do for you ? how long did you use it ? do you still do ?

[@doelife]

Hey Eric so I replaced the sensor on bank 2 with the code P0141. “04 Honda CR-V here”only has two sensors!. One of the black wires aren’t working. I check all wires even pulled it from the computer to check the pigtail black wire still dead . I’m getting power from all other wires on the pigtail leading onto the computer any suggestion?!.

[@kilogolfbravo9567]

HI ERIC have you every had a 02 sensor read -2 volts and cant get into the positive? ive a p0172 code

[@armang10]

Hello Eric! Thanks for the awesome video! I have a question about the AFR O2 sensor for Subaru Outback 2.5 2005. Part number for Subaru geniune sensor is 22641AA33A. Question 1: Can it be replaced with a sensor from other manufacturers? Will it affect the car performance ? Which ones would you recommend? Question2: This is an upstream sensor. Can it be replaced with the downstream sensor? What is the difference? The downstream one is significantly cheaper

[@angeljr3452]

I'm changing my o2 sensor,do I really need the scanner to reset the engine light?

[@marlonismar]

Greetings Eric I have a 07 Avalanche 5.3 flex fuel I changed sparks, wires, coils, injectors, but keep getting p0300. Can a bad 02 sensor give me a p0300?

[@dominicbassis4462]

Great video. Would a downstream 0/2 sensor cause a misfire also on a toyota 3rd gen 4 runner. Thanks

[@adolphntaja2105]

Hi Eric, my 2006 BMW E90 320i gives me a code P0041 and has a rattling sound in the exhaust. The car sometimes shuts off when I step off the gas and let it roll to a stop, say at traffic lights or in traffic. It has new spark plugs and coils and runs smooth. No leaks, no smoke. What could be the problem and how do I sort it out? many thanks

[@ejfabian9543]

You are the best eric

[@mikewright7236]

I had the same code once.. I crawled underneath it and found the O2 sensor (lucky for me I had a service manual or id never known which one). The wiring looked suspect at the connector. I took them out, re-spliced them, reconnected them, cleared the code, all is well. I almost bought a new O2 sensor before this, glad I didn't. Those babies are expensive

[@LooK253]

So if this sensor is broken (Code P0141, HO2S Heater Performance Bank 1 Sensor 2), it is only watching for CAT efficency? It has no negative impact on engine itself? I will change it for ecology reasons obv, but I just want to feel better driving in the next few days I want to make sure :)

[@montyshelby]

Damn pretty good I learn something new thanks

[@REDDOT2000]

HI Eric, I check my oxygen sensor and it has 13.6 ohm. I also check the hardness and it has 12 volt. but my car still show code P0141. Any advise.

[@PACKyourSHITfolks420]

I've been doing that wrench trick for years. Works great most of the time, even on strut bolts.

[@sandzkickz1601]

I have a 2005 RL with a p2631 A/f ratio bank 2 sensor 1 failure is it the same

[@snaprollinpitts]

thanks Eric, great video!!!!!! super informative!!!!! and I learned something! thumbs way up and a sub!

[@82phalanX]

If you were to do this today, I have one thing for you, Ratcheting wrenches :-) Good stuff Eric..

[@ryanvtec3885]

my resistance on my primary o2 sensor is 1.1. This is for a a 2004 acura rsx base car. Just wondering what the spec is?

[@joshfig96]

Hey eric, been watching your vids for a decade, i have a 2003 jeep wj with the 4.slow, 99k miles, i have 141 and 161 coming on at the same time, changed relay, o2 sensors, light was off for a few days and when it came to the heater monitor it triggered my light again.. I'm confused, is it my cats or ecu?

[@miguelcovarrubias4976]

P0300 Random Misfire Detected P0141 02 Heater Circut ( Bank1, Sensor 2) can it be your catalic converter

[@MrDede2011]

What length is that O2 sensor for the downstream on the RL

[@ta65mail]

Enjoy this real world style of approach of working on cars. Nothing on an exhaust is ever easy.

[@robertfisher7108]

Okay before brand new O2 sensors in a Chevy silver Silverado year 04 and it still is hesitating and misfiring so what's the problem there Eric the Car Guy

[@mrbriceno3949]

QUICK QUESTION, could no catalytic converter and sensors cause misfires??

[@davidle7063]

Hi Eric. Thanks for the videos. Is there something about "slow" and "fast" OBD2 scanner? I am using an amateur $30 Autel MaxiScan scanner. I observed the pre-cat O2 sensor cycle from ~ [0.2-0.7] V but in slow pace, about 1 cycle per second regardless at at idle or 2500 rpm. Coolant temp is 190F after a long drive. I saw people 's demo with slow and fast waveforms according to idle and high rpm modes with different scanner.

[@adanarceo4636]

Hi Eric, hey I have a problem with my o2 sensor bank 1 sensor 2, it reads low voltage circuit, I compare with bank 2 sensor 2 and the readings are the same, but I have no codes related to bank 2 sensor 2, any tips will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance 👍👍👍

[@mauriceonichino4244]

question for a cell on a forester 2006 p0131 low voltage sensor 1 bank 1. how can I check the sensor 6 pin connector.

[@Danielsoto9095]

Im going through an issue. I only have 3 volts in one of the 4 pins from the wire. I have changed 2 oxygen sensors. Can it be a wire problem?

[@heroknaderi]

Thank you 🙏

[@zoroluva]

Stellar as usual.

[@erikzaleta1716]

hey nice video!!! it was very useful to me! hey once a while i tested a oxygen sensor on my honda odyssey, i measure with a multimeter the ohmic value on the 2 black wires, it was 14.5 ohms, is that ok? or it will be minus? i will thank you so much if you can tell me!!!

[@chuckwebb7564]

Good video.