Honda is a brand synonymous with reliable vehicles. So, when you see a check engine light, you will understandably get worried. However, if you have got the P0141 Honda error code, don’t worry! This is a relatively minor error. In this article, we are going to discuss all you need to know about it!
We divide error codes into two main categories. The first category is critical error codes. Codes that indicate issues with the engine and other important components fall under this category. The other category is codes that do not need immediate attention. Luckily for you, this is one such code.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this error code. First, we will look at the system used to scan error codes in your Honda. You should have a good understanding of this mechanism. We say that because it can be useful for you in the future as well. Then, we will move on to a discussion about this specific error code. So, without further ado, let’s start our discussion.
Scanning Error Codes
Modern vehicles are technologically advanced machines. So, when an error is detected, the vehicles can easily point us in the direction of the cause. The first indication is given in the form of the check engine light. This can happen due to a variety of reasons. However, by plugging in a scanner, we can identify the exact reason.
Scanning vehicles is done through the OBD port of the vehicle. OBD stands for onboard diagnostic computers. This system is present in almost every modern vehicle. When the system detects an error, it stores a five-digit error code that points to the root of the problem. This code is the DTC, which stands for diagnostic trouble code. An example of a DTC code is the P0141 Honda. OBD codes are another name for DTC codes.
Then, using an OBD scan tool, a mechanic identifies the exact point of failure. This is an easy method of vehicle troubleshooting. It saves the user time as well as money. Now, we hope that you have a good understanding of error codes. Let us continue our discussion.
P0141 Code
The P0141 Honda code is a very common error code. This error code pops in many Honda models like the Accord, CRV, and the Civic. This error is mainly related to the emissions system of Hondas. It is not an error that should greatly concern you. However, we recommend you get this issue fixed as fast as possible.
The official description for this code is “O2 Sensor Heater Circuit“. Basically, the P0141 Honda error happens because of a failure in the oxygen sensor of the vehicle. The oxygen sensor has several components. A failure on any single one of these can cause this error to pop up. But, the most common perpetrator is the bank 1 sensor 2. In the next section, we will take a deeper dive into this subject.
P0141 Honda Bank 1 Sensor 2
In every engine, there are two cylinder banks. Bank 1 refers to where the number 1 cylinder of the engine is situated. The side of this band changes from manufacturer to manufacturer. Refer to the user manual to correctly locate bank 1 of your engine.
Bank 1 sensor 2 is an oxygen sensor. Honda vehicles have multiple oxygen sensors like this one. The function of the oxygen sensor is to measure the amount of oxygen that is entering and exiting the vehicle. Then the oxygen sensor sends this information to the ECU of the vehicle. This data is used for various vehicle functions.
Bank 1 Sensor 2 Location
When you have a P0141 Honda error code, you should know the location of the faulty sensor. So, we will now discuss the location of bank 1 sensor 2. As we discussed earlier, this sensor is located in the bank of cylinder 1. There are two possible locations where this sensor can reside.
This can vary between vehicle models. The first possible location is in the middle of the catalytic converter. If the oxygen sensor is not there, check right behind the front catalytic converter. Be sure to check the catalytic converter that is placed closest to the engine, as this is the one that we are after.
Some of our readers may not have OBD scanners available at the moment. Don’t worry! There are other methods to diagnose this error as well. We are going to go through them in the next section.
P0141 Honda Diagnosis Without A Scanner
There are several methods to diagnose the P0141 Honda code. Here we are discussing some of the simplest methods.
Multimeter
One of the easiest ways to diagnose the P0141 Honda code is by using a multimeter. For a car owner, there are many uses of a multimeter. Using this tool, voltage, resistance, and current can be measured. However, here we are interested in measuring the voltage.
By using the multimeter, measure the voltage passing through the O2 sensor. Take this measurement, and compare it to the recommended voltage specified in the repair manual. Through this comparison, it can be determined the source of the issue. In that case, it can be either the oxygen sensor or the wiring harness.
Voltage Test Light
Voltage test lights are another instrument used for voltage measurement. These can be had for much cheaper than the cost of a multimeter. Using a voltage test light, we can check whether the sensor is getting any electricity at all. If not, attach the instrument to the wiring harness plug. If the light comes on, a short circuit is present in the system.
Moreover, we also recommend checking the wiring components of the engine. Especially focus your attention on the wiring between the O2 sensor and the fuse box of your vehicle. Who knows, maybe the cause of the P0141 code can be a simple loose wire!
So far, we discussed several key facts about the P0141 Honda DTC code. Now, you may be curious about the main symptoms that can indicate you about this issue. Well, if that is the case, follow along my friend!
Symptoms Of P0141 Honda Code
As with all vehicle problems, the P0141 error has some symptoms as well. By identifying these symptoms beforehand, the problem can be quickly fixed. Here, we will discuss some of the most common symptoms related to this issue.
P0141 Honda Symptoms #1 – Check Engine Light
The most obvious indication of a P0141 error is the check engine light. The check engine light is one of the most useful warnings in modern vehicles. The modern check engine light we know of today first appeared in vehicles in 1996. Since then, this light has caused millions of drivers headaches, while simultaneously saving them thousands of dollars.
In this specific case, the check engine light of your vehicle illuminates due to a faulty O2 sensor. Although there is no risk of breaking down due to this light, we recommend getting it fixed quickly. When the check engine light turns on, your best course of action is to take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
There, the mechanic will run an OBD scan on your vehicle and identify the error as P0141. Furthermore, if you have an OBD scan tool at home, you can identify the P0141 error by yourself.
P0141 Honda Symptoms #2 – Failed Emissions Test
If your vehicle is due for an emissions test, the P0141 Honda code should be alarming to you. You might wonder why? Well, as this code is related to the emissions system of the vehicle, you run the risk of failing the test because of it. The oxygen sensor reports the emissions of the vehicle to the tester. Obviously, when this component is faulty, there is no chance of you passing the test.
These are the two most obvious symptoms of a P0141 code. If these symptoms are present in your vehicle, you may also want to know what caused them. In that case, we will not keep you waiting anymore! Let’s move to the next section, where we will discuss some of the main causes of the P0141 Honda OBD code.
Causes Of P0141 Honda
A number of faults in your vehicle can lead to the P0141 Honda code. Some of the most likely ones are listed here.
P0141 Honda Causes #1 – Faulty Oxygen Sensor
As we also discussed earlier, a faulty oxygen sensor is the most likely culprit on this occasion. These sensors are designed for a service life between 60,000 – 90,000 miles. If your vehicle has higher mileage than that, then it is best to replace this sensor entirely. Oxygen sensors with manufacturing defects or sensors that have been improperly fitted can also result in P0141 codes.
P0141 Honda Causes #2 – Wiring Harness Issues
On some occasions, the wires that connect to the oxygen sensor can be faulty. These wires are well known to be easily damaged. This is mostly because of their location. These wires and sensors are located under the chassis of the vehicle. Because of that, they get hit by road debris frequently. They are also subjected to the heated exhaust gases of your vehicle. Due to all these factors, damage to the wiring harness is another possible cause of the P0141 code.
But, sometimes the problem may not be damage to the wiring harness. The cause can be a simple loose connection. Before replacing the whole wiring in a panic, we suggest you carefully go through the wiring to make sure that everything is fitted correctly.
P0141 Honda Causes #3 – Terminal Damage
There is a terminal on your O2 sensor that is used to connect to the wiring of the vehicle. With constant use, this terminal can get damaged. The easiest way to check for terminal damage is through a voltage test. In a previous section of this article, we instructed you on how to do this test by yourself. If no voltage is detected, you should replace the connection plug and try again.
P0141 Honda Causes #4 – Faulty Catalytic Converter
Rarely, the cause for the P0141 Honda code may be an entirely different system altogether. We are of course talking about the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is an exhaust component that first saw mass-market adoption in the mid-1970s.
The main function of the catalytic converter is to convert the harmful exhaust gases of a vehicle into safe gases that will not damage the environment. It achieves this task through a chemical reaction. The catalytic converter has several components. Its inside can be made from a number of metals, including rhodium, palladium, and platinum. These metals work in conjunction with either a reduction or an oxidation catalyst to purify the exhaust gases.
However, sometimes these catalytic converters can develop faults. These are designed to be used for 100,000 – 150,000 miles. You can easily detect a faulty catalytic converter through a rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust. But, a catalytic converter replacement is an expensive fix when compared to the cost of an O2 sensor replacement.
Other than that, an exhaust leak, a PCM issue, or a circuit problem can also result in a P0141 Honda OBD code.
Fixing P0141 Honda Error
Now that you have a good idea about the symptoms and causes of this error, it is time for us to discuss the possible fixes. The easiest and recommended fix is replacing the oxygen sensor entirely. However, before going through with the replacement, there are two important things that should be checked by you.
The first thing you should check is the exhaust system. If the cause for the P0141 Honda error is an exhaust leak, there is no point in replacing the O2 sensor. That is why we suggest you check this before any further action. The next thing you should check is the sensor wiring. We discussed this in a previous paragraph as well. This is a relatively uncommon cause, but we recommend checking it nonetheless.
After checking both these areas and confirming that indeed the O2 sensor is the root cause, the next course of action is to replace it. We will dive into this problem in the next section.
Replacing The Oxygen Sensor
Replacing the oxygen sensor is a relatively easy task. First, you should purchase the correct oxygen sensor for your vehicle. Remember that oxygen sensors are not a universal part. This means that they vary between makes and models. You can pinpoint the correct component by referring to the repair manual or through the internet.
Oxygen sensors can vary in price depending on your vehicle model. Typically, they fall in the $50 – $200 price range. However, some O2 sensors can cost more than $200. After sourcing the correct part, the next step is replacing the sensor. This can be easily done at home using a wrench of the correct size. However, if you are not that good with tools, you can always get the help of a mechanic at a repair shop.
But, you may not have the budget to replace this sensor at this moment. Well, we got your back. The next paragraph has the best information for you. If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you drive a Honda Accord. If that is indeed the case, the next paragraph is dedicated to you.
P0141 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is well known among automotive enthusiasts for its reliability. However, the P0141 is one of the most common error codes that occur in this model of sedans. The cause for this is an oxygen sensor failure. This specific sensor is the bank 1 sensor 2.
In other words, this faulty sensor is located downstream from the catalytic converter of your vehicle. The function of this sensor is to bring the oxygen sensor of your Honda Accord up to operating temperature. You can use the information included in this article to diagnose and fix this issue.
Temporary Fix For Bad O2 Sensor
We have established that the best fix for a P0141 Honda error code is replacing the O2 sensor. However, there is a temporary fix for a bad sensor. The temporary fix is cleaning the sensor. To do this, first, you have to remove the sensor from the vehicle. Then, the cleaning process can commence.
To clean the O2 sensor, you can use a wire brush. Scrubbing the oxygen sensor thoroughly with the wire brush can help to remove any debris that has gathered inside it. But, do not wash or soak the sensor in any liquid. Spraying it with an aerosol product with the intent of cleaning is also not recommended. As this is an electronic component, liquids are harmful to it more than you think.
Although this is not a guaranteed fix for the P0141 Honda code, you can give it a try. Who knows, maybe you’ll get lucky and save a few bucks!
Oxygen Sensor Codes Keep Coming Back
On some rare occasions, the P0141 Honda code can come back even after you have replaced the oxygen sensor. This is a frustrating situation for both the owner as well as the mechanic. Although the specific cause for this happening can vary, we will go through some of the most likely components that can cause this issue.
One of the causes for the P0141 Honda code coming back even after a sensor replacement can be missing fuses. It is pretty common for fuses to get misplaced when vehicles are being repaired. If you suspect this is the cause, carefully go through the fuses. If you spot a missing or misplaced fuse, replace it. This will fix the issue quickly and easily.
Another reason for the oxygen sensor codes to keep coming back can be faulty heater circuits. Losing power to the heater circuit can cause the P0141 code to pop up. On the other hand, a faulty ground connection to the heater may also be the issue. Whatever the case, it is a good idea to investigate this area if you are facing this issue.
Conclusion For P0141 Honda
During the length of this article, we have discussed many things related to the P0141 Honda OBD code with you. We started off by discussing the logic of scanning error codes. Then we moved to the P0141 code itself. We presented you with the symptoms and causes of the P0141 error during the next paragraphs.
Next, the discussion continued with the fixes for this OBD code. We even presented a temporary solution to you. Finally, we discussed what to do when this error does not go away. All in all, the P0141 Honda OBD code is a common error code among all Honda vehicles. With all this information, we are sure that you will be able to solve this issue without any hassle.
FAQS On P0141 Honda
Where Is The Bank 1 Sensor 2 Located
The bank 1 sensor 2 is located on bank 1 of your engine. The engine bank where the number 1 cylinder is located is called bank 1. The side of this bank changes between vehicle models. As an example, bank 1 is located on the driver’s side of Chevrolet pickup trucks. But, in Ford pickup trucks, bank 1 is located on the passenger side. When talking about the specific location, sensor 2 is located on the catalytic converter. It can either be in the middle of the catalytic converter or right behind it. This location also varies between modes.
Where Is Bank 1 Sensor 1 Located
Bank 1 sensor 1 is also located in the same cylinder bank as bank 1 sensor 2. However, its specific location is different from sensor 2. Here, sensor 1 is placed between the catalytic converter and the engine of your vehicle.
What Is Bank 1 And Bank 2
Banks are a term used to refer to the sides of an engine. Typically, engines have 2 banks. These 2 sides are called bank 1 and bank 2. Here, the side with cylinder 1 is called bank 1. Similarly, the side of the engine with cylinder 2 is called bank 2. The cylinder banks can be identified easily by referring to the repair manual.
How Many Miles To Drive After Replacing O2 Sensor
O2 sensors are designed to serve between 60,000 to 90,000 miles. After exceeding that milage, getting the O2 sensors replaced is recommended.
