AutoCodes – Ford – P0038 2019 Ford F150

P0038 2019 Ford F150 Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The HO2S detects the presence of oxygen in the exhaust and produces a variable voltage according to the amount of oxygen detected. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 (HO2S12), Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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: P0038 2019 Ford F150 indicates HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 (HO2S12), Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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 224

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 01, 2023

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
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Code P0038 2019 Ford F150 Description

The HO2S detects the presence of oxygen in the exhaust and produces a variable voltage according to the amount of oxygen detected. A high concentration of oxygen (lean air to fuel ratio) in the exhaust produces a voltage signal of less than 0.4 volt. A low concentration of oxygen (rich air to fuel ratio) produces a voltage signal greater than 0.6 volt. The HO2S provides feedback to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) indicating air to fuel ratio in order to achieve a near stoichiometric air to fuel ratio of 14.7 to 1 (9 to 1 E100) during closed loop engine operation.
When the oxygen sensor is cold, disconnected, or on initial start-up, the voltage may read between 1.5 to 1.7 volts. The oxygen sensor voltage will decrease to the normal operating range of 0.0 to 1.1 volts during warm, stabilized engine running conditions.
The HO2S heater is embedded with a sensing element. The heating element heats the sensor to a temperature of 800°C (1,472°F). At approximately 300°C (572°F) the engine enters closed loop operation. The heater allows the engine to enter closed loop operation sooner.
The PCM controls the Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Sensor 2 (HO2S12) heater ON and OFF duty cycle to maintain a calibrated temperature. This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set when the sensor does not warm up to the required temperature in a calibrated amount of time. This DTC is also set when the PCM is not able to maintain the required temperature after the sensor is warmed.

OBDII Code P0038 2019 Ford F150 - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 2019 Ford F150 Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2019 Ford F150?

Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 (HO2S12)
Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit open shorted to ground
Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0038 2019 Ford F150?

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 P0038 2019 Ford F150 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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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 2019 Ford F150 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0038 on a 2019 Ford F150 mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) Heater Control Circuit High on Bank 1 Sensor 2 in the exhaust system of the vehicle.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2019 Ford F150?

Common symptoms of code P0038 may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the illumination of the check engine light on the dashboard.

3. What are the possible causes of the HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 code in a 2019 Ford F150?

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

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0038 on my 2019 Ford F150?

Diagnosing code P0038 involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific error code, inspecting the wiring and connectors related to the oxygen sensor, and testing the sensor itself for proper function.

5. Can I continue driving my 2019 Ford F150 with the P0038 code present?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with code P0038 present, as it can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

6. How do I repair the HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 issue in my 2019 Ford F150?

Repairing code P0038 typically involves replacing the faulty oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and resetting the error code with an OBDII scanner after the repair is complete.

7. Are there any DIY tips for fixing the P0038 code on a 2019 Ford F150?

While some basic troubleshooting steps can be done by DIY enthusiasts, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair code P0038 to ensure proper resolution of the issue.

8. How much does it cost to fix the OBDII code P0038 on a 2019 Ford F150?

The cost of fixing code P0038 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, the parts needed for repair, and the labor rates of the repair shop. It is advisable to get quotes from multiple mechanics for an accurate estimate.

9. Can a faulty oxygen sensor trigger other codes besides P0038 in a 2019 Ford F150?

Yes, a malfunctioning oxygen sensor can sometimes trigger related error codes such as P0036, P0037, P0039, or P0058, depending on the specific nature of the sensor issue.

10. How often should the oxygen sensors be inspected and replaced in a 2019 Ford F150 to prevent code P0038?

It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for inspecting and replacing oxygen sensors, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, to help prevent issues like code P0038 from occurring.