Code
P1141
BUICK
P — Powertrain
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Average Voltage Level
Views:
UK: 36
EN: 46
RU: 37
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Faulty Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor (contaminated, aged, or failed)
- Damaged or corroded wiring or connector to the sensor (open, short to power/ground)
- Exhaust leak upstream of the downstream sensor
- Inefficient or damaged catalytic converter (bank 1)
- Long-term fuel trim issues (rich or lean condition) affecting downstream readings
- Heater circuit failure in the sensor
Symptoms
- Check Engine MIL illuminated
- Possible failed emissions test
- No or minimal change in drivability in many cases (downstream sensor often not used for closed-loop fuel control)
- Possible persistent long-term fuel trim anomalies
- Reduced catalyst monitoring readiness
What to check
- Read and record freeze frame and readiness status with a scan tool; note any related codes (upstream O2, fuel trims, catalyst codes)
- Inspect sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or chafing; wiggle harness while monitoring for voltage changes
- Visually inspect exhaust for leaks, especially near the manifold and catalytic converter
- Compare live voltage traces of Bank 1 Sensor 1 (upstream) and Sensor 2 (downstream) with a scan tool
- Measure heater circuit voltage and sensor heater resistance per manufacturer spec
- Check long-term and short-term fuel trims for signs of lean or rich conditions
Signal parameters
- Downstream (B1S2) typical behavior: relatively stable voltage with small fluctuations; not the rapid switching of upstream sensor
- Expected average voltage (typical): around 0.4–0.6 V when catalyst is healthy (manufacturer-specific thresholds apply)
- Unhealthy readings: persistently low (~0.8 V) average or no variation over time
- Heater resistance (typical for heated zirconia sensors): roughly 3–20 ohms (check vehicle spec)
- Heater supply: battery voltage present at connector with PCM control to ground or switched feed as specified
Diagnostic algorithm
- Verify the DTC with a scan tool, record freeze frame and note any other stored codes (upstream O2, fuel trims, P0420, etc.).
- Inspect sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, loose pins, or water ingress. Repair or clean as needed.
- Check for exhaust leaks upstream of the downstream sensor; repair any leaks before further testing.
- Using a scan tool, monitor B1S1 (upstream) and B1S2 voltages simultaneously during warm idle and a defined drive cycle. Downstream should show a relatively steady voltage; if it mirrors upstream switching, the catalyst may be inefficient.
- Measure sensor heater circuit resistance with the connector disconnected; compare to spec. Verify heater supply voltage and PCM switching with backprobe while engine running/warm-up.
- Check short-term and long-term fuel trims and any related sensors (MAF, MAP, fuel pressure, injectors) for causes of abnormal air/fuel that could affect downstream voltages.
- If wiring and heater are good and upstream sensor/engine are operating normally, evaluate catalytic converter efficiency (voltage correlation between upstream and downstream sensors, temperature, backpressure as applicable).
- If suspicion remains on the sensor, replace Bank 1 Sensor 2 with a correct OEM or equivalent OE-quality sensor and clear codes. Re-test and perform a drive cycle to confirm the issue is resolved.
- If the new sensor also reports abnormal average voltage, investigate PCM power/ground and consider professional PCM testing or replacement.
Likely causes
- Defective downstream O2 sensor (most likely)
- Connector corrosion or broken wire at the sensor harness
- Exhaust leak allowing extra oxygen past the catalyst
- Catalyst degraded and no longer changing downstream oxygen levels
- Heater circuit open or driven incorrectly by PCM
Fault status
Status
Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor average voltage is out of expected range (HO2S B1S2 average voltage abnormal).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
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