99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
10-12-2013, 06:14 PM
#1
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99 Civic Cracked Exhaust Manifold / O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Hi all,
Check engine light came on. Mechanic read code P0141 and quoted me $300 to replace the pre-cat (upper) O2 sensor.
I thought I would try to do this myself. When I went to remove the faulty sensor, I noticed that it was un-tightened. I also noticed that the exhaust manifold is cracked:
Could the check engine light have come on because the sensor was not screwed in tightly?
Could the crack be causing it?
Should I be concerned about the crack?
In the meantime, I have tightened the old O2 sensor, removed the 7.5A fuse to reset the CEL, and now the light is off.
Should I replace the sensor anyway or just wait and see if the CEL comes on again with the same code?
Thank you!
Check engine light came on. Mechanic read code P0141 and quoted me $300 to replace the pre-cat (upper) O2 sensor.
I thought I would try to do this myself. When I went to remove the faulty sensor, I noticed that it was un-tightened. I also noticed that the exhaust manifold is cracked:
Could the check engine light have come on because the sensor was not screwed in tightly?
Could the crack be causing it?
Should I be concerned about the crack?
In the meantime, I have tightened the old O2 sensor, removed the 7.5A fuse to reset the CEL, and now the light is off.
Should I replace the sensor anyway or just wait and see if the CEL comes on again with the same code?
Thank you!
Last edited by alpinegroove; 10-12-2013 at 07:11 PM.
10-12-2013, 07:13 PM
#2
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
P0141 is a code for the secondary not primary O2 sensor. Have you checked whether fuse 15 is blown and Ohm tested the heater element?
But do nothing if the code does not return.
But do nothing if the code does not return.
10-12-2013, 07:20 PM
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Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
The mechanic said it was the upper one, and also showed it to me on the car itself.
I wonder if they got the code wrong...
I haven't checked the fuse or the heater element.
I wonder if they got the code wrong...
I haven't checked the fuse or the heater element.
10-12-2013, 07:25 PM
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10-12-2013, 07:26 PM
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Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Is the same sensor used for both upper and lower?
I have already purchased the upper one, but can I use it in case I need to replace the lower?
I have already purchased the upper one, but can I use it in case I need to replace the lower?
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10-12-2013, 07:29 PM
#8
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
I don't think the sensors are interchangeable.
Don't replace anything unless the code returns.
If the code returns, Ohm test the heater element of the secondary O2 sensor. If it's fine, then you may have a wire problem or even an ECU problem. Otherwise, you could replace an expensive part that is fine.
And the bank designation is irrelevant for your engine.
Don't replace anything unless the code returns.
If the code returns, Ohm test the heater element of the secondary O2 sensor. If it's fine, then you may have a wire problem or even an ECU problem. Otherwise, you could replace an expensive part that is fine.
And the bank designation is irrelevant for your engine.
10-12-2013, 07:38 PM
#12
10-12-2013, 07:46 PM
#13
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
I just noticed the crack in the exhaust manifold. You need to weld the crack or replace the manifold. The crack will make your engine run rich, which is bad for the engine.
This is a problem unrelated to the CEL code.
This is a problem unrelated to the CEL code.
10-12-2013, 07:53 PM
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Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Is it unrelated because the downstream sensor is not affected by the manifold?
I first thought it was related because the upstream sensor is exactly where the crack is.
But now that I know that the problem is with the downstream sensor, that may not be an issue.
I first thought it was related because the upstream sensor is exactly where the crack is.
But now that I know that the problem is with the downstream sensor, that may not be an issue.
10-12-2013, 07:56 PM
#15
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Makes me wonder whether the mechanic misread the code and it was actually P0171, which could be thrown by the cracked manifold.
Watch for whether the code returns and next time pull it yourself - jump the service connector or have AutoZone pull it with a code reader (free service).
10-12-2013, 07:59 PM
#17
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
You got royally ripped off. AutoZone will pull OBD2 codes free of charge.
Or you can pull the "OBD1-style" codes yourself with a paperclip.
10-12-2013, 08:05 PM
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Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Yes, I figured. I'll go talk to them tomorrow. I at least want them to explain why the code is different from the verbal description they gave me.
Thank you for the jumping the connector tip!
Thank you for the jumping the connector tip!
10-12-2013, 08:08 PM
#19
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Talk to a manager to see if you can get a refund for misdiagnosis. Mention that you purchased an expensive primary O2 sensor unnecessarily and it's unclear whether you can return it.
10-12-2013, 08:15 PM
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Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
Especially since P0171 could mean a problem with the primary sensor. But since I cleared the code, there will be no way to check this without the CEL coming on again...
How much should I expect to pay for the welding of the manifold?
How much should I expect to pay for the welding of the manifold?
10-12-2013, 08:20 PM
#23
Re: 99 Civic O2 Sensor - P0141 CEL
How much should I expect to pay for the welding of the manifold?
10-12-2013, 08:22 PM
#24