Please help p0141 on 97 Camry ?

[Max7575]

Hi tech,

First CEL on and got the p0401 " Exhaust Gas Recirculation Insufficient Detected". I replaced an EGR Vacuum Modulator. The p0401 is disappeared.

Now, CEL still on with the new p0141 " o2 Sensor Heater Circuit"

What could be the possible problem and what is the solution ?
Your input is much appreciated.

Max

[JerryR]

Originally Posted by Max7575

Hi tech,

First CEL on and got the p0401 " Exhaust Gas Recirculation Insufficient Detected". I replaced an EGR Vacuum Modulator. The p0401 is disappeared.

Now, CEL still on with the new p0141 " o2 Sensor Heater Circuit"

What could be the possible problem and what is the solution ?
Your input is much appreciated.

Max

Max
P0141 refers to the oxygen sensor that is mounted next to the cat. conv.(**not** the one on the exhaust manifold).
You can try and check the resistance of the sensor heater element, the service manual calls for 11 to 16 Ohm @20 degrees C (68F).
It's hard to tell from the service man. but it looks as if the connector is under the driver seat(if it's not- you will have to trace it ), the heater element is between pins 1 and 2.
HTH
JerryR

[Max7575]

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. You are a good man. Please tell me how can i check the resistance of the sensor heater element on my 97 Camry LE 4 cyl ? Do you think the oxygen sensor after the cat is the main factor of p0141 ?

Max

[JerryR]

Originally Posted by Max7575

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. You are a good man. Please tell me how can i check the resistance of the sensor heater element on my 97 Camry LE 4 cyl ? Do you think the oxygen sensor after the cat is the main factor of p0141 ?

Max

Max
According to the 97 service manual P0141 points to the oxygen sensor after the cat.(Bank 1 sensor 2)
To check the resistance you need an Ohmmeter. If you don't have one you could probably buy one pretty cheap from a store like Radio Shack, (Generally speaking, an Ohmmeter is not available as a stand alone device, it is usually a function(OHM) available as part of an Analog or Digital MultiMeter, the other functions will possibly be Voltage and Current).
Failure of this sensor is NOT the only reason this code will show up, wiring problems, contact oxidation in the connector, and the engine compuetr could also result in this code showing up.
Being that the manual describes P0141 as:"Heated Oxygen Sensor HEATER CIRCUIT Malfunction(Bank 1 Sensor 2) This is where I would start.
HTH
JerryR

[Max7575]

Hi Jerry,

I called a Toyota dealer and mentioned the P0141, they said it is the EGR VSV (Vacuum Switch Valve) and NOT the Oxygen Sensor based on my 97 Camry and V.I.N, very stranged. If i agreed with their service, Diagnosis will cost $48 + VSV $102 + $81 labor = $231 + 13 % tax if it's the VSV's. I'm thinking of just replacing the VSV myself that cost about $100 instead of Oxygen sensor or let the dealer do it. Any advise for me, thanks ?

Max

[Maim Menu]

I had this code on my first '98 Camry. It was the O2 sensor. The car was the 4 Cyl 5S-FE.

I made a DIY thread when I changed it so if you plan on replacing the downstream O2 sensor, here's how you do it. I don't think there will be much differences between '97 and '98.

DIY : Downstream Oxygen O2 Sensor replacement

[JerryR]

Originally Posted by Max7575

Hi Jerry,

I called a Toyota dealer and mentioned the P0141, they said it is the EGR VSV (Vacuum Switch Valve) and NOT the Oxygen Sensor based on my 97 Camry and V.I.N, very stranged. If i agreed with their service, Diagnosis will cost $48 + VSV $102 + $81 labor = $231 + 13 % tax if it's the VSV's. I'm thinking of just replacing the VSV myself that cost about $100 instead of Oxygen sensor or let the dealer do it. Any advise for me, thanks ?

Max

Max
I can only tell you what the service manual shows for P0141 (see my previous posts) and I can only tell you what I would do had I been in the same situation.
If you don't feel comfortable doing troubleshooting, you'll have to get someone to do it for you.

HTH
JerryR

[Max7575]

Hello Jerry and Maim,

A Toyota dealer said P0141 is the VSV while the Repair manual said it's the Oxygen sensor 2 malfunction just like Maim said. Well, Toyota vs Repair manual and which one is the corrected one, very interesting ? By the way, Maim, your link is very helpful to all readers here, thanks. I'm still wondering how many people out there have experienced this P0141 on their Camry 97 LE 4 Cyl. I will update on this when the the CEL is solved.

[Maim Menu]

I'm gonna have to agree that sensor failure is not the only reason this code would show up, but this is still where I would aim my search for now.

EVAP/EGR components tripping O2 sensor heater codes seems funny to me, I know they're not that far apart but still...

[Max7575]

Just to let everyone know about my 1997 Toyota Camry 2.2L Sedan CEL with codes P0401 and P0141.

P0401 is solved by replaced EGR Modulator Valve and EGR VSV (Vaccum Switching Valve). You might want to try EGR Modulator Valve first and then VSV if it won't work.

P0141 is solved by replaced Rear Oxygen Sensor the one after the Cat converter.

The CEL is cleared since Aug, 08. Thanks for the input. Hope this will help anyone in need. Good Luck.