Here we go..."P0141"

[KARR]

hey guys, i will gladly appreciate any comments or help on this one..
I had both of my O2 sensors replaced a week ago and the CEL came up 2 days ago, I just retrieved the code and it gave me a
"P0141" which states: "O2 sensor heater circuit malfunction (bank 1, sensor 2)".

My primary question regards on where to start...i checked the connection that is under the driver seat and it seemed right. The O2 sensor is new so i don't think its that...what does the meaning of the code exactly say? What should I check? voltage? Any suggestions?
My secondary question is ...what does "bank" in OBD terms mean?


My car is a stock, 95 Gst, A/T, with 78,000 miles on it.

I know i might be wrong on my troubleshooting so please...any comment or help will be much appreciated, I think I'm lost.

thanks in advance.
-Jose

 

[98TsiAWD]

Bank means hole basically I guess. The code is for your 2nd o2 sensor which is screwed into your exhaust just behind the cat. The o2 sensor has a heater built into it to heat the sensor up so it gets proper a/f readings when it is cold outside. Usually the reason that code comes on is either the heater is bad in the sensor (you got a bad o2 sensor) or you have a loose ground on your exhaust. There should be a couple ground straps going from the underside of the car to the exhaust, make sure they are tight.

 

[bald_eagle]

So I seem to be the doc on duty for reviving dead threads the last copule days.

I went to change my exhaust today. I got the O2 sensor out but didn't get the system off because of stubbron cat bolts... I already looked over threads on that. I put it back in because I decided on ordering a new cat and now I have a CEL thats for code P0141. I notice on the post before mine it says it could be that ground strap on the exhaust. Mine was broken from the begening. I have not had a CEL since prob May. Is it possible that because of messing with it thats the problem? Where is it supposed to be grounded? Also I found out where the O2 connection was after I removed it (thanks DSMtuners!) so the wires got twisted more then I would have liked them to. Could that have contributed to it?

 

[ekanddsm]

Bank= which bank the oxygen sits on 4 cyl= 1 bank.
v6 and v8's have two banks (or sides of the engine)
Bank 1 will always have cylinder #1 on it.

Get the wiring diagram and figure out the heater circuit of the o2 sensor in question.

Turn the key on and make sure you have voltage(12 volts) to the heater.

If thats ok, then switch your test light, Put the clamp to the positive terminal on the battery and touch the probe to the heater control wire on the o2 sensor,

Next start the car and watch that light blink or stay solid until your car warms up

This will basically check the heater circuit at the o2 sensor.

PM me if you need more help.