AutoCodes – Ford – P0038 Ford

P0038 Ford 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 Ford 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 309

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 Sep 01, 2023

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0038 Ford 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 Ford - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 Ford Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 Ford?

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 Ford?

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 Ford 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 Ford code?

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

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0038 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Ford Models

P0038 2015 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
P0038 2016 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
P0038 2017 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
P0038 2018 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
P0038 2019 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2
P0038 2020 Ford F150 — HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

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 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a Ford vehicle?

The common symptoms of code P0038 include decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0038 "HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2" mean?

This code indicates that the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) located on Bank 1 Sensor 2 is detecting a high voltage condition in its heater control circuit.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0038 in a Ford vehicle?

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

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0038 in my Ford vehicle?

Diagnosing code P0038 typically involves visually inspecting the oxygen sensor and its wiring, checking for continuity, testing the sensor's heater resistance, and scanning the ECM for related fault codes.

5. Can I drive my Ford vehicle with OBDII code P0038?

While it may be possible to drive with code P0038, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter and ensure optimal engine performance.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 in my Ford vehicle?

Repairing code P0038 may involve replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing fuses if necessary, and clearing the error code from the ECM.

7. Are there any tips to prevent OBDII code P0038 from recurring in my Ford vehicle?

To prevent the recurrence of code P0038, it's essential to use high-quality oxygen sensors, ensure proper installation, maintain the vehicle's electrical system, and address any underlying issues promptly.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0038 in a Ford vehicle?

Depending on their skill level and experience, a DIY enthusiast may be able to diagnose and repair code P0038 by carefully following repair guides and using the necessary tools and equipment.

9. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0038 in a Ford vehicle?

The cost of repairing code P0038 can vary depending on the underlying issue, the labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to do the repairs yourself or take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

10. Will resetting the Check Engine Light resolve OBDII code P0038 in a Ford vehicle?

Simply resetting the Check Engine Light without addressing the underlying issue causing code P0038 will not resolve the problem. It's crucial to diagnose and repair the root cause to prevent the code from reappearing.