AutoCodes – Chevrolet – B3838 Chevrolet

B3838 Chevrolet Code - Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the park lamp relay through the park lamp relay control circuit. Common causes include Faulty Park Lamp Relay, Park Lamp Relay harness is open or shorted, Park Lamp Relay circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: B3838 Chevrolet indicates Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Park Lamp Relay, Park Lamp Relay harness is open or shorted, Park Lamp Relay circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 1,454

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 17, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code B3838 Chevrolet Description

The Body Control Module (BCM) controls the park lamp relay through the park lamp relay control circuit. The BCM grounds the park lamp relay control circuit which energizes the park lamp relay. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when the BCM must be commanding the park lamp relay to energize.

OBDII Code B3838 Chevrolet - Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — B3838 Chevrolet Code - Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC B3838 Chevrolet?

Faulty Park Lamp Relay
Park Lamp Relay harness is open or shorted
Park Lamp Relay circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Body Control Module (BCM)

How to Fix the DTC B3838 Chevrolet?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the B3838 Chevrolet code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Need more information on how to fix the B3838 Chevrolet code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the B3838 Chevrolet code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about B3838 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) related to the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- Common symptoms include malfunctioning park lamps, dim or flickering park lights, or total park lamp failure.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) indicating an issue with the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- Possible causes include a faulty park lamp relay, damaged wiring or connectors in the circuit, or a malfunctioning body control module.

3. How can I diagnose the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit issue triggering OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet)?

- You can diagnose the issue by conducting a visual inspection of the wiring and connectors, testing the park lamp relay, and using a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage.

4. Is it safe to continue driving with OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) related to the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with this code as malfunctioning park lamps can affect your visibility on the road, especially in low light conditions.

5. What are some DIY repair tips for resolving OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) associated with the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- DIY repair tips include checking and replacing any damaged fuses, relays, or wiring, ensuring all connections are secure, and resetting the fault codes after repairs are made.

6. Can a faulty body control module cause OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) to appear for the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- Yes, a malfunctioning body control module can be a potential cause of this OBDII code as it controls various functions, including the park lamp relay.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) related to the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

8. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) and the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- It's recommended to check with Chevrolet dealerships or online resources for any recalls or technical service bulletins related to this specific OBDII code to stay informed about potential known issues and solutions.

9. Can a loose ground connection cause OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) to trigger for the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- Yes, a loose or corroded ground connection in the park lamp relay circuit can lead to electrical issues, triggering this OBDII code.

10. Is it necessary to visit a dealership or mechanic for repairs when experiencing OBDII code B3838 (Chevrolet) related to the Park Lamp Relay Control Circuit?

- While professional help is recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair, some DIY enthusiasts with experience in automotive electrical systems may be able to address the issue themselves with the right tools and knowledge.