P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
The heater built into the oxygen sensor after the catalytic converter on bank 1 isn't working. The heater gets the sensor up to temperature quickly so it can read the exhaust.
Common causes
- Failed heater inside the oxygen sensor (most common)
- Blown fuse for the sensor heaters
- Damaged wiring or connector
Symptoms
- Usually just the check engine light
- Failed emissions test
Can I drive with it?
Safe to drive. Fix it before an emissions test – the computer can't finish its catalytic converter check without this sensor.
Tip: Check the oxygen sensor fuse first – one fuse often feeds several sensor heaters. If it's fine, the sensor itself is the usual fix.
Which scanner reads it?
Any OBD2 scanner reads it.
Budget tools like the ANCEL AD310 read it; tools with live data and graphing – like the BlueDriver or OBDLink MX+ – help you find the cause. Not sure which fits you? Try the Find My Scanner quiz.
In the data
How common is it? At New York’s emissions inspections in 2020–21, P0141 was the #17 code found on cars that failed – 1.1% of all the codes found.
Of the vehicle complaints owners filed with NHTSA from 2015 to 2025, 6 quote P0141 – most often from Ford, Mercury, Jeep owners. Complaints lean toward serious problems, so treat this as a sign of how often the code turns up in real reports, not how often cars get it.
Both sources are compared on the Trends page.
Related codes
General information to help you understand a code – not a diagnosis. Your car’s service information or a qualified mechanic has the final word. See how we research.