every time I put a new O2 sensor by the cat, I get the 0141 code! is it frying my sensors? what could be the problem?

Could be:

Short in sensor or harness
Water in harness
Open 12v Circuit
Open GND circuit
Low battery voltage
Corrosion or poor mating to terminals or wiring
Damaged o2 heater
Damaged PCM

Thanks....

but what should I look at first? how can I tell if the O2 heater is damaged?

My car still runs like a raped ape but I just keep getting a light.

Casey > wrote:

My car still runs like a raped ape .

The easiest way to check the heater circuit is to go to Autozone and hook the scanner up to the car. When the codes come up, it will also give a descrotion that scrolls across the bottom. If it says heater circuit malfunction, then that's your problem.

If that is the problem, you are gonna have to find out where the short in the circuit is, cause obviously it is not in the sensor. Then we get back to.

Short in sensor or harness
Water in harness
Low battery voltage
Corrosion or poor mating to terminals or wiring
Damaged PCM

Stupid question but are you clearing the code from the computer? Good luck.

yes the code has been cleared several times. as soon as the computer makes one full circuit, which is usually every couple of days, the light comes back on.

Update : upon further inspection (after I hit a roadkill vermin) one of the wires to the sensor harness was damged. I haven't had a chance to solder it yet. could this be the short?

Possibly. Go ahead and fix it, clear codes, and drive to see if the light goes back on.