Honda Check Engine Code
P0141 on Honda
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
Also covers: Acura
P0141 on Honda: what makes it different
Honda's OBD2 system closely monitors the heater circuit on the downstream (post-catalyst) oxygen sensor, and P0141 is one of the most frequently logged O2-related codes across Honda's four-cylinder lineup because these secondary sensors sit in a high-heat, high-vibration spot on the exhaust and their heater elements wear out over time.
Most-affected engines
- K24 2.4L (Accord, CR-V)
- R18 1.8L (Civic)
- J35 3.5L V6 (Accord, Pilot, Odyssey)
Common model years: 2003–2015
Most likely cause on Honda
Failed heater element inside the bank 1 sensor 2 (post-catalytic-converter) oxygen sensor.
Known Honda engine-family issues
Honda's secondary O2 sensor wiring runs close to the exhaust manifold and heat shield, so insulation can crack or melt over years of heat cycling, leading to intermittent heater circuit faults even before the sensor itself fails.
Honda-specific causes (most common first)
- Internal heater element failure in the downstream O2 sensor (most common with age/mileage)
- Corroded or melted wiring/connector near the exhaust manifold heat shield
- Blown fuse for the O2 sensor heater circuit
- Exhaust leak upstream of the sensor throwing off heater feedback
- Aftermarket or generic replacement O2 sensor with an incompatible heater circuit
Honda-specific diagnostic tip
Before replacing the sensor, back-probe the heater circuit at the connector with the engine off and check resistance across the heater wires — Honda secondary O2 sensors typically show a few ohms; an open or infinite reading confirms the sensor itself rather than the wiring.
Symptoms drivers report
- Check engine light
- Emissions test failure
- No drivability issue typically
Typical repair cost on Honda
Most Honda owners fix P0141 for between $150 and $400, depending on which underlying cause turns out to be at fault. Start with the most-likely cause for your vehicle — Failed heater element inside the bank 1 sensor 2 (post-catalytic-converter) oxygen sensor. — before throwing parts at it.
Honda P0141 FAQ
Can I still drive with a Honda P0141 code?
Yes, short term — it affects emissions monitoring, not engine performance, but the check engine light will stay on and it can eventually affect fuel trim and emissions test results.
Is P0141 the same sensor as P0141 bank 1 sensor 1 on Honda?
No — sensor 1 (P0135) is the pre-catalyst sensor that controls fuel mixture; sensor 2 (P0141) is the post-catalyst sensor that mainly checks catalytic converter efficiency, so it has less immediate effect on drivability.
Do Honda dealers usually replace the whole sensor or just wiring?
Most Honda techs replace the entire O2 sensor since the heater element isn't separately serviceable, but they'll inspect the harness first since heat damage near the manifold is a known recurring issue.
Related codes
Drive a different make? See the general P0141 guide for cross-vehicle causes and symptoms.
Confirm P0141 on your Honda in 60 seconds
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Most common fix for P0141:
Oxygen (O2) sensorAs an Amazon Associate, AXLY earns from qualifying purchases. General P0141 guide →