2004 Dodge Neon P0141 OBD2 Code: Diagnosis and Fix Guide

P0141 indicates a circuit-related fault—check wiring and fuses. Using an OBD2 scanner can help monitor the oxygen sensor circuit as it commands on/off cycles while measuring voltage. Chrysler recommends clearing the RAM when installing new sensors: simply remove the negative battery cable for 10 seconds (VER Test #5). More details available at http://www.obd-codes.com/p0141.

There is no dedicated fuse for this sensor, though if it were blown, the vehicle would not start. My car starts and runs normally. I've cleared the code multiple times using a scanner. All visible wiring appears intact.

NTK is an OEM supplier; however, Chrysler's own sensors are preferred over Bosch parts, as they may not perform reliably in certain conditions.

I did not install a Bosch sensor—only NTK ones.

Correction: the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) powers the heater side of the oxygen sensor, so there's no fuse for that element. Wiring must be verified—ensure the sensor receives 12V and has a solid ground connection. Clearing codes is not equivalent to clearing RAM. Also, as jpd noted, sensors should ideally come from Chrysler or an OEM supplier; incorrect heater resistance can cause P0141 to persist.

Thanks for the clarification! How do I properly verify that the sensor has the correct resistance value?

I just found the original sensor box. I did install NTK sensors, which are OEM-compatible.

You now have a compatible part—verify that there is 12V and proper grounding at the sensor location. If needed, use your OBD2 scanner to turn the heater element on and off during testing.

The check engine light randomly turned itself off—is this possible? Could a transient condition have triggered it?

After a week without the check engine light, it has returned. Any ideas on what might be causing this recurrence?

The light turned off after successful tests and came back when conditions were poor. The PCM monitors sensor performance—this suggests an intermittent fault. Freeze frame data stored in the ECU may help identify the exact conditions at code set time. Check for loose, corroded, or damaged connectors; ensure wires aren't melted to exhausts or frayed.

I've inspected both sensor and wiring—everything looks fine. I'm not sure how to capture freeze frame data from the ECU.

When a code is set, the PCM stores specific conditions in the 'freeze frame' memory—including voltage levels at the time of fault detection. To access this, use your OBD2 scanner to view freeze frame data under DTC details. The trouble tree should guide you through tests involving both scanner and digital multimeter (DVOM) checks. A common suspect is a short in wiring before the B1S2 sensor location.

Could you walk me through how to perform these steps?

In professional diagnostics, we would: - Plug in the OBD2 scanner and navigate to DTCs. - Select the freeze frame data window to view stored conditions. - Perform a visual inspection of wiring at the B1S2 sensor location—check several inches of harness for damage or corrosion. - Use DVOM probes under the vehicle, which can be tight in a Dodge Neon. - Follow the trouble tree to specific diagnostic steps using both scanner and multimeter. Note: Not all issues are resolved by simple replacement. Diagnostics require time and attention—time is often money.