A few days ago, I filled up with gas. About 50 miles into the tank, the CEL came on. I figured it might be just a loose gas cap, so I stopped, checked, and it was tight. Just to be sure, I unscrewed it and put it back on, and on the first click, a small piece of white plastic broke off and almost hit me in the eye!!

I took it to autozone today and had them pull the code and it came up P0141 O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 Sensor 2).


Is this harmful to the car if I drive it like this for a while untill I can get it to the dealership?


Thanks,
John

 

This is the O2 sensor in your cat. The ECU does not use this signal to run the engine. It's only to tell you that something is wrong with the heating circuit or the sensor itself. The only bad thing about this is the CEL will always be on.

ps. Holy moly, your sig is HUGE. Any way you can reduce it .................................................. .................. a LOT?

 

I will try....

Thanks!!

 

I've had that code for two years.

The car will be fine but you should have the part replaced so you can spot any new codes.

 

I plan on doing it soon, just a matter of time.