AutoCodes – Toyota – P0038 2006 Toyota Prius

P0038 2006 Toyota Prius Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, EFI relay (integration relay), Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted. Severity is Moderate - service should be scheduled soon. The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.

What it means
P0038 2006 Toyota Prius indicates Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, EFI relay (integration relay), Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted.
Severity
Moderate - service should be scheduled soon.
Can I drive?
The vehicle may still be drivable for short trips if it runs normally, but avoid hard driving and repair it soon.
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Code Popularity 5,019
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0038 2006 Toyota Prius Description

Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. The faster the heated oxygen sensor reaches that temperature the faster the sensor will start sending an accurate signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM).
In order to achieve the require temperature, a heater element is included inside the heated oxygen sensor. The ECM controls the heated oxygen sensor heater element based on signals from the engine coolant temperature and engine load. The ECM controls the heater element circuit by allowing current flow to ground.
The ECM monitors the voltage signal received through the heater element circuit and determines the state of the circuit by comparing the voltage detected with the factory specifications.
OBDII Code P0038 2006 Toyota Prius - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2006 Toyota Prius Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2006 Toyota Prius?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2
  • EFI relay (integration relay)
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0038 2006 Toyota Prius?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0038 2006 Toyota Prius 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.

Need more information about the P0038 2006 Toyota Prius code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0038 2006 Toyota Prius code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

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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 P0038 2006 Toyota Prius Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

The common symptoms of code P0038 include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0038 indicate in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

Code P0038 indicates an issue with the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High in Bank 1 Sensor 2 of the vehicle.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0038 in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

The potential causes of code P0038 include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a problem with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0038 in my 2006 Toyota Prius?

To diagnose code P0038, you can use a scan tool to check for any additional codes, visually inspect the wiring and connectors, test the oxygen sensor heater circuit, and check the fuse related to the sensor.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

The repair for code P0038 may involve replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, replacing the fuse, or addressing any ECM issues.

6. Can I continue driving my 2006 Toyota Prius with OBDII code P0038?

It is not recommended to continue driving with code P0038 unresolved, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine performance issues, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

7. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0038 in a 2006 Toyota Prius?

The cost of fixing code P0038 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $200 to $500 for parts and labor at a repair shop.

8. Is code P0038 a common problem in 2006 Toyota Prius vehicles?

Code P0038 is not a very common issue in 2006 Toyota Prius vehicles, but it can still occur due to various factors such as sensor wear and tear, electrical problems, or other issues.

9. Can I reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P0038 in my 2006 Toyota Prius?

Yes, you can reset the check engine light using an OBDII scan tool after fixing code P0038 to clear the stored error code and turn off the light.

10. How often should I replace the oxygen sensors in my 2006 Toyota Prius to prevent OBDII code P0038?

It is recommended to replace the oxygen sensors in your 2006 Toyota Prius according to the manufacturer's suggested maintenance schedule, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, to prevent issues like code P0038.

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