GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 891588  Size: MF

Circuit Description

The heated oxygen sensor 2 (HO2S-2) is located behind the catalytic converter. The sensor is used by the PCM to determine the oxygen storage capability of the catalytic converter. Due to the location of the HO2S-2, a heater element is required to provide additional heat, which speeds up sensor activation time. The heater is supplied ignition voltage whenever the ignition is turned On. The PCM will monitor the time it takes for the sensor to become active which can determine if the heater is working properly. DTC P0141 sets when the H02S-2 is not fluctuating outside a voltage window that is centered around bias voltage after the engine has been funning a certain length of time. This indicates the sensor heater is not working properly.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

DTC P0141 will set if HO2S-2 is inactive (voltage is not fluctuating outside 591-295 mV range) for too long when:

    • Engine run time is less than 4 minutes and 15 seconds
    • Startup ECT and IAT are less than 45°C (113°F)
    • ECT and IAT are within 7°C (45°F) of each other
    • Ignition voltage is between 11.6 and 16 volts
    • O2S-1 at engine startup was between 395-491 mV
    • Calculated average airflow prior to H2OS-2 activity was less than 20 g/s
    • No CKP, ECT, EVAP, fuel injector, fuel tank pressure, fuel trim, IAT, idle speed, MAP, misfire, PCM internal fault, and TP sensor DTCs have been set.

DTC P0141 diagnostic runs once per ignition cycle once the above conditions have been met.

P0141 is a (type B) DTC

Diagnostic Aids

Heater element resistance: 5.0-7.8 ohms

DTC P0141


Object Number: 889925  Size: FP