Code
P1141
SATURN
P — Powertrain
HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Average Voltage Level
Views:
UK: 32
EN: 55
RU: 38
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Failed or degraded Bank 1 Sensor 2 (downstream O2 sensor)
- Wiring damage, corroded or loose connector, poor ground, or short to voltage/ground at the sensor circuit
- Faulty or intermittent heater circuit for the sensor
- Exhaust leaks upstream of the sensor or between the engine and catalytic converter
- Contaminated sensor (oil, coolant, silicone, or fuel additives)
- Catalytic converter failure or degraded catalyst
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
- Failed emissions/evap/inspection test
- Poor fuel economy or unstable idle (less common with downstream sensor faults)
- Possible rough running if related to exhaust leak or contamination
- Check engine light with related fuel-trim or catalyst codes
What to check
- Retrieve freeze frame and stored data; note conditions when code set
- Scan and monitor live data: Bank 1 Sensor 2 voltage, Bank 1 Sensor 1 voltage, short-term and long-term fuel trims (STFT/LTFT), and catalyst monitor status
- Visually inspect sensor, connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, chafing, or disconnection
- Check for exhaust leaks between the engine and the downstream sensor
- Backprobe sensor connector to verify signal voltage and compare with sensor 1 under various operating conditions
- Check heater circuit supply and ground (verify voltage and resistance per service manual)
Signal parameters
- Expected downstream HO2S (sensor 2): relatively stable voltage vs upstream switching; average around ~0.45 V (varies by manufacturer)
- Narrowband O2 sensors typically switch ~0.1–0.9 V; upstream sensor will switch rapidly while downstream should show less switching if catalyst is good
- Heater circuit: battery or fused ignition supply when key on; typical resistance in the low ohms (refer to service manual for exact value)
- Compare Bank1 Sensor2 voltage to Bank1 Sensor1: large unexpected differences or a stuck-high/low downstream sensor indicate a problem
- Monitor fuel trims: persistent high or low trims with abnormal downstream voltages may indicate exhaust/fuel issues
Diagnostic algorithm
- Clear codes and perform a test drive to verify P1141 returns and capture freeze-frame data.
- Visually inspect the Bank 1 Sensor 2 connector and harness. Repair any obvious wiring damage or corrosion first.
- With a scan tool, monitor Bank 1 Sensor 1 and Sensor 2 voltages during warm engine idle and light load. Note whether Sensor 2 is averaging near expected value and whether it mirrors or remains steady compared to Sensor 1.
- Backprobe the sensor signal wire to measure voltage with a digital multimeter or oscilloscope. Confirm signal is within expected range and behavior (not stuck high/low or noisy).
- Check the sensor heater circuit: verify supply voltage with key on and measure heater resistance to confirm continuity and correct resistance per spec.
- Check for exhaust leaks upstream of the downstream sensor and repair if present. Re-test after repairs.
- If wiring and heater are good but the sensor signal is abnormal, replace the downstream HO2S (Bank 1 Sensor 2) with a correct OEM or equivalent sensor.
- After repair, clear codes and re-check operation. Confirm long-term and short-term fuel trims and catalyst monitors return to normal and code does not reappear.
- If code persists after sensor replacement and harness checks, consider catalytic converter efficiency testing and, if needed, inspect or test PCM for faults as a last resort.
Likely causes
- Faulty downstream O2 sensor (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- Wiring/connectors issues (open, short, high resistance)
- Leaking exhaust or leaking gasket upstream of the sensor
- Contaminated sensor or failed catalytic converter
Fault status
Status
P1141 - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Average Voltage Level: downstream oxygen sensor average voltage out of expected range or behavior (check sensor, wiring, heater, and exhaust/catalyst).
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 0.5-2.0 hours
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