P0141 on Chevrolet
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
P0141 on Chevrolet vehicles indicates o2 sensor heater circuit malfunction (bank 1, sensor 2). Au7o has documented this code across 2 Chevrolet models — most commonly on Cobalt, Prizm. This code means the Engine Control Module detected a problem in the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor located on Bank 1, Sensor 2 — the downstream O2 sensor after the catalytic converter on the bank containing cylinder 1. This sensor has a built-in heating element that brings it up to operating temperature quickly so it can read exhaust accurately. P0141 sets when the computer sees abnormal current or voltage in that heater circuit (open, shorted, or out of range). It is mainly an emissions/monitoring fault and usually doesn't affect how the car drives. Typical repair costs on Chevrolet range from $100 to $1,600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0141
- •Failed oxygen sensor heater element (internal to the sensor)
- •Blown fuse feeding the O2 sensor heater
- •Open, shorted, or corroded heater circuit wiring
- •Corroded or loose O2 sensor connector
- •Poor ground or power feed to the heater circuit
- •Exhaust heat damage to the sensor or harness
- •Faulty ECM/PCM heater driver
P0141 on Chevrolet by Model
Chevrolet Cobalt(1 issue)
- Catalytic Converter Efficiency Loss (P0420) Following Long-Term Misfire or Oil Consumption2005-2010
The Cobalt is a repeat offender for P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold, Bank 1). The Ecotec's two chronic upstream problems — random misfire from failing ignition coils/coil-pack modules, and oil consumption past worn rings and valve seals — poison and overheat the catalyst substrate. Once the converter's oxygen storage is gone the rear O2 sensor mirrors the front sensor and the PCM sets P0420, which fails state emissions inspection. Owners frequently report throwing an aftermarket converter and a set of O2 sensors at the code only to have it return within a few thousand miles, because the underlying misfire or oil burn was never corrected. On direct-fit replacement, the low-grade aftermarket converters that dominate this application often cannot hold the efficiency threshold on a healthy engine either.
Chevrolet Prizm(1 issue)
- Oxygen Sensor Failure1998-2002
Oxygen sensors fail causing poor fuel economy and check engine light. Both upstream and downstream sensors prone to failure. Oil consumption issues accelerate sensor fouling.
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View P0141 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0141 mean on Chevrolet?▼
P0141 stands for "O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)." This code means the Engine Control Module detected a problem in the heater circuit of the oxygen sensor located on Bank 1, Sensor 2 — the downstream O2 sensor after the catalytic converter on the bank containing cylinder 1. This sensor has a built-in heating element that brings it up to operating temperature quickly so it can read exhaust accurately. P0141 sets when the computer sees abnormal current or voltage in that heater circuit (open, shorted, or out of range). It is mainly an emissions/monitoring fault and usually doesn't affect how the car drives. On Chevrolet specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0141 on Chevrolet vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chevrolet: Failed oxygen sensor heater element (internal to the sensor), Blown fuse feeding the O2 sensor heater, Open, shorted, or corroded heater circuit wiring, Corroded or loose O2 sensor connector, Poor ground or power feed to the heater circuit. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0141 on a Chevrolet?▼
Repair costs on Chevrolet range from $100 to $1,600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chevrolet models have P0141 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0141 on 2 Chevrolet models: Cobalt, Prizm.