P0141 - What do I do?

[JonJon]

Ok, I've had this code for a few months now (though I think it said bank 2):
P0141 Downstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater circuit fault - Bank No. 1.

Does that mean my cat on that side is dead?
Which side is bank 2?
Does that mean I'm running rich?

I have a Magnaflow catted X with Magnapacks cat back.
The car does smell pretty horrible after I floor it sometimes.

 

[blackstalion666]

its a heater circuit failure. all the heater circuit does is heat up your o2 sensor to proper temp when you start your car so that the car can read the o2 sensor asap. becuase the o2 sensors dont accually work till they reach proper temp.
as for your ?'s its not running rich and your cat is not dead according to that code, and the bank 2 is the passenger side. the cuase of the code can eigther be the o2 sensor itself or there is no power or ground going to the heater in the 02 sensor cuase it to throw this code.

 

[blackstalion666]

have you done anything yet???

 

[JonJon]

So does that mean basically nothing is wrong with my car once I drive it for a few minutes? (For the cats to heat up)

I haven't done anything, I thought it meant my O2 sensor was dead and I'd have to buy new ones. and/or get MILs.

 

[blackstalion666]

no its just that the heater circuit is bad. meaning either the o2 heater itself is bad or the wiring to the o2 sensor. but it shouldn't be affecting the running of the vehicle.

 

[JonJon]

no its just that the heater circuit is bad. meaning either the o2 heater itself is bad or the wiring to the o2 sensor. but it shouldn't be affecting the running of the vehicle.

So I might as well get MILs

Thanks for the info

 

[blackstalion666]

So I might as well get MILs

Thanks for the info

yea it should kill the pestering light for ya

 

[JonJon]

yea it should kill the pestering light for ya

Yeah, everytime someone gets in the car they ask