Notices
1997 - 2003 F150 1997-2003 F150, 1997-1999 F250LD, 7700 & 2004 F150 Heritage
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Auxito

Help? Error Codes P0141 and P0161

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 08:36 PM
  #1  
skendrot's Avatar
skendrot
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Cool Help? Error Codes P0141 and P0161

Hello,
My check engine light (02F150 8cyl 4.6) came on about a month and a half ago after getting a slave cylinder replaced and new spark plugs. Mechanic gave me the codes that kicked back, cleared them and told me to let him know if they returned. They did. I had the sensors replaced last thursday and the SES light came back on within a few miles of the shop. My maintenance guy at work threw his wicked cool diagnosticator on it and got the same codes again. Truck has not been running as smoothly as it was a short time ago. Bogs, shutters and hesitates slightly when accelerating between 1500-2000 rpms and runs a bit more smoothly above 2K. Engine seems to shudder when idling about 700 rpm.

I'm realizing now after searching through past posts that these codes don't mean the sensor is necessarily bad. Seems further examination is in order and from what I am reading, an intake leak, problems with wiring harness (for O2?) or an exhaust leak might be the places to start. Any other ideas? I am not mechanically inclined other than doing my own oil change. I Ihave another issue with my clutch, but I'll save it for another post...

Any help is appreciated.

Steve
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2009 | 01:29 AM
  #2  
Bluegrass 7's Avatar
Bluegrass 7
Lead Driver
15 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,907
Likes: 143
Yep it pays to learn about what you are trying to do!
What do the codes mean? Both banks at there lean settings ((((in the PCM program)))).
How did this happen? Something happened that signaled for more fuel so the program says NO and leaned the system out. This is where the codes come from and what the codes means; system to lean both banks because the problem is common to both banks.
If this all happened after the clutch work I would be looking at the harness to the OX sensor for damage first because the OX sensors not working automaticlly makes the motor run rich as a protective measure preventing physical damage in the short term when the codes should mean to get the problem fixed soon.
Otherwise to much fuel is not good for the cats or cylinder walls in the longer term.
Next place to inspect is the intake system for 'unaccounted for air' that the system doesnot detect except for the OX sensors if they are operating.
You see, there is a complex relationship in the design of how the motor is controlled and is not to be taken lightly.
Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2009 | 02:55 AM
  #3  
87 XLT's Avatar
87 XLT
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
These are downstream/after the cats O2 sensor codes.

PO141 Downstream O2 sensor heater CIRCUIT fault, bank 1.

PO161 Downstream O2 sensor heater CIRCUIT fault, bank 2.

These sensors only monitor the condition of the cats.

Like Bluegrass 7 mentioned the wiring needs to be checked for damage from the clutch job.

Take a quick look at the fuse list in your owners manual. It will most likely show only one "HEGO system fuse", but if it shows 2, you need to check them both.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2009 | 06:53 AM
  #4  
skendrot's Avatar
skendrot
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Thanks fellas. I'll be calling my mechanic today.
 
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2011 | 11:56 AM
  #5  
Weaselnutzninja's Avatar
Weaselnutzninja
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
i wish people would post their solutions once they solved the problems. So irritating. I have this exact problem.
 
Reply
Old Feb 10, 2011 | 10:12 PM
  #6  
skendrot's Avatar
skendrot
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Sorry weasel. The first respondents hit the nail on the head. The O2 sensor harness got damaged when they put the trans back together. Took dealer to find the problem. Mechanic fixed at his expense. Good luck with your problem.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
oachs83
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
2
Mar 6, 2022 12:51 AM
RVA
1997 - 2003 F150
9
Nov 2, 2016 10:57 PM
AGrayson84
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
4
Nov 1, 2016 09:35 AM
rogerranger2122
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
23
Aug 8, 2016 06:24 PM
82fordguy
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
5
Jul 25, 2009 12:16 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:13 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-3
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-7
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE