AutoCodes – Toyota – P0138 2004 Toyota Prius

P0138 2004 Toyota Prius Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S) (Rear O2 Sensor), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection. 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
P0138 2004 Toyota Prius indicates Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
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 6,837
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 04, 2020
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Code P0138 2004 Toyota Prius Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S) (Rear O2 Sensor), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. For optimum catalyst operation, the air fuel mixture (air-fuel ratio) must be maintained near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Engine Control Module (ECM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S generates a voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 V in response to oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas increases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Lean. The ECM interprets Lean when the HO2S voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The ECM interprets Rich when the HO2S voltage is above 0.45 V.
OBDII Code P0138 2004 Toyota Prius - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2004 Toyota Prius Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2004 Toyota Prius?

  • Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Intake air leaks
  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Inappropriate fuel pressure
  • Faulty fuel injectors

How to Fix the DTC P0138 2004 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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0138 2004 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 P0138 2004 Toyota Prius code?

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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 P0138 2004 Toyota Prius Code

1. What does OBDII code P0138 mean for a 2004 Toyota Prius?

The code P0138 indicates a high voltage condition in the oxygen sensor circuit of Bank 1 Sensor 2 in a 2004 Toyota Prius.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0138 code in a 2004 Toyota Prius?

Common symptoms of a P0138 code include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and possible stalling.

3. What are the potential causes of a P0138 code in a 2004 Toyota Prius?

Possible causes of a P0138 code include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose a P0138 code in my 2004 Toyota Prius?

To diagnose a P0138 code, you can use an OBDII scanner to read the code, inspect the wiring and connectors of the oxygen sensor, and perform a voltage test on the sensor.

5. How can I repair a P0138 code in my 2004 Toyota Prius?

Repair options for a P0138 code include replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, fixing exhaust leaks, or reprogramming the ECM.

6. Can a P0138 code cause my 2004 Toyota Prius to fail an emissions test?

Yes, a P0138 code can cause your Toyota Prius to fail an emissions test due to the high voltage condition affecting the oxygen sensor's performance.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 2004 Toyota Prius with a P0138 code?

It is not recommended to drive your Prius with a P0138 code, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix a P0138 code in a 2004 Toyota Prius?

The cost of fixing a P0138 code in a 2004 Toyota Prius can vary depending on the exact cause, but it may range from $100 to $400 for parts and labor.

9. Can I reset the P0138 code in my 2004 Toyota Prius without fixing the underlying issue?

While you can clear the code using an OBDII scanner, it is not recommended as the issue causing the P0138 code will persist and may lead to further problems.

10. How often should I replace the oxygen sensor in my 2004 Toyota Prius to prevent a P0138 code?

It is generally recommended to replace the oxygen sensor every 60,000 to 90,000 miles to prevent issues like the P0138 code from occurring.

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