OBD Guide
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P0038

HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

P0038 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2. Common causes: short circuit in oxygen sensor heater wiring, open or damaged ground circuit. Estimated repair cost: $6–89.

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Limited driving only, diagnose soon
Approx. repair cost
$6–89 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light Illuminates
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Unstable engine idling
  • Deterioration of dynamic characteristics
  • Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
  • The smell of unburnt fuel in the exhaust gases

Causes

  • Short circuit in oxygen sensor heater wiring
  • Open or damaged ground circuit
  • O2 sensor heating element malfunction
  • Damage to the oxygen sensor connector
  • Engine control module (ECM) malfunction
  • Corrosion of contacts in connectors
  • Damage to wiring due to exposure to high temperatures

How to Fix

  1. Connect a diagnostic scanner and read all error codes
  2. Check the voltage and resistance of the O2 sensor heater circuit
  3. Inspect wiring and connectors for damage
  4. Measure the resistance of the heating element (should be 2-14 Ohms)
  5. Check the oxygen sensor ground circuit
  6. If necessary, replace damaged wiring or connectors
  7. Replace the oxygen sensor if it is faulty
  8. Clear error codes and test drive
  9. Re-check the system with a scanner to confirm that the problem has been resolved.

Related codes

P0037P0039P0141P0161P0135P0155

Error P0038 by Vehicle Brand

AcuraAudiBAICBMWBYDBuickCadillacChanganCheryChevroletChryslerCitroenDodgeDongfengExeedFAWFordForthingFotonGACGMGMCGeelyGreat WallHavalHondaHongqiHyundaiInfinitiJACJaecooJaguarJeepJetourKaiyiKiaLadaLexusLi AutoLifanLincolnLivanMazdaMercedes-BenzMercuryMitsubishiNIONissanOldsmobileOmodaOpelPeugeotPlymouthPontiacRenaultSWMSaturnSkodaSkywellSubaruSuzukiTankToyotaVolkswagenVolvoVoyahXPengZeekrZotye

FAQ

What does the P0038 code mean?

P0038 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What causes a P0038 error code?

The most common causes of P0038 include: Short circuit in oxygen sensor heater wiring; Open or damaged ground circuit; O2 sensor heating element malfunction; Damage to the oxygen sensor connector.

How do I fix a P0038 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0038: Connect a diagnostic scanner and read all error codes. Check the voltage and resistance of the O2 sensor heater circuit. Inspect wiring and connectors for damage. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0038?

Limited driving only, diagnose soon

How much does it cost to fix P0038?

The estimated repair cost for P0038 is $6–89. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

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