P0041 O2 Sensor Signals Swapped Bank 1 Bank 2 Sensor 2

OBD-II DTC Trouble Code Description

O2 Sensor Signal Exchange: Bank 1, Sensor 2 / Bank 2, Sensor 2

What does this mean?

This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic OBD-II transmission code. It is considered universal as it applies to all makes and models of cars (1996 and newer), although the specific repair steps may differ depending on the make and model. Owners of these brands may include, but are not limited to, BMW, Dodge, Ford, Chrylser, Audi, VW, Mazda, Jeep, etc.

In short, a P0041 code means that the vehicle's computer (PCM or Powertrain Control Module) has detected that the O2 oxygen sensors downstream of the catalytic converter have reversed their wiring.

The vehicle's PCM uses readings from multiple oxygen sensors to adjust the amount of fuel that needs to be injected into the engine for the most efficient operation. The PCM monitors the readings of the engine sensor, and if, for example, it pours more fuel into the engine bank 2, but then sees that the bank 1 oxygen sensor is responding instead of bank 2, this is the type of thing that triggers this code. For this DTC, the # 2 O2 sensor is located after (after) the catalytic converter. You may also encounter a P0040 DTC at the same time.

This code is rare and only applies to vehicles with engines with more than one bank of cylinders. Block 1 is always the engine block that contains cylinder # 1.

symptoms

Symptoms of a P0041 engine code may include:

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on or flashing
Reduced engine power or uneven operation / idling
Increased fuel consumption

reasons

The P0041 DTC can be caused by one or more of the following:

Oxygen sensor # 2 wiring connectors swapped from bank to bank (most likely)
# 2 O2 sensor wiring is crossed, damaged and / or shorted
Failed PCM (less likely)

Possible solutions

A good first step is to find out if there has been any recent work done on exhaust and O2 sensors. If yes, then the problem is most likely the cause. That is, swapped the wiring connectors for the second O2 sensor from bank 1 to bank 2.

Visually inspect all wiring and connectors leading to the second O2 sensors (they will most likely be behind/after the catalytic converters). See if the wires are damaged, burnt, twisted, etc. Most likely the connectors are reversed. If you are DIY, you can even try swapping these two oxygen connectors as a first repair step, then clear the trouble codes and road test to see if the code returns. If it doesn't come back, then there is most likely a problem.

The next step is to take a close look at the wiring and O2 connectors on the PCM side. Make sure the wires are in the correct pins to the PCM and PCM harness (refer to your specific vehicle repair manual for this). Remember if there are swapped wires, damaged wires, etc. Repair if necessary.

If necessary, perform a continuity check on each individual wire from the PCM to the O2 sensor. Repair if necessary.

If you have access to an advanced scan tool, use it to monitor (plot) O2 sensor readings and compare to specifications. Failure of the PCM is a last resort and is not always convenient for DIY. If the PCM fails, you should probably take it to a qualified technician for repair or replacement.

Other Related DTCs: P0040

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