Code P0141, bank 1 sensor 2

[Chiman1]

I replaced all three oxygen sensors on my 94 Camry V6 last November at 230K miles using the OEM Denso replacement as preventive maintenance. During the last three weeks, the engine check light came on and remained on. Oddly enough, my car came with an ODBII port. So out of curiosity, I read the code and found it out to be P0141 which relates to the O2 sensor heat circuit malfunction. I reset it twice, and the same code came back. Given that the sensor is relatively new, is it possible that the catalytic converter goes bad due to high milage. Is there a way for me to verify either the O2 or the catalytic converter is causing the checking engine light. Otherwise, my car run fine. Your input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[bigbird]

well teh problem with that theory is that if the cat was bad then it would throw the down stream sensor code. thatn that mights put the car in limp and throw bank 1 code. but if ya havnt had any cat codes then it running fine.

any running problems?

[Chiman1]

The car runs fine. Anyone has similar experience? Any inputs?

[ShawnM]

You got a defective new sensor. The heater element in the sensor is probably bad. Not common but it does happen at times with new parts.

[lolocamry29]

Had the same problem on wifes old car and took it down got a cat on it and it ran perfect. This was after everyone said O2 sensor. Do you notice any small even occationally smell?

[ShawnM]

^ An O2 sensor heater code will not be fixed by replacing your converter.

[Chiman1]

Sounds like I have to replace another O2 sensor. Thanks for your input.

[modain]

Check the resistance on the sensor's heater wires. You should have at least 10 ohms. Under that value you'll trip the code. The ECM expects to have a certain resistance on the circuit. If it doesn't detect enough it'll assume the heater is not working. Also, on the flip side if the resistance is too high (don't know the upper limit) the ECM will assume the heater is malfunctioning.