AutoCodes – Nissan – P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra

P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra Code - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage

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 2009 Nissan Sentra indicates HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage.
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 3,193
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 P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra 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 2009 Nissan Sentra - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra Code - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra?

  • 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 2009 Nissan Sentra?

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 P0138 2009 Nissan Sentra 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 2009 Nissan Sentra 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 2009 Nissan Sentra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 on a 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, loss of power, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0138 for a 2009 Nissan Sentra indicate?

- OBDII code P0138 refers to the HO2S12 (Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2) circuit having a high voltage reading.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 on a 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- The causes can include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, an exhaust leak, or issues with the engine's fuel system.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0138 on my 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- Diagnosis involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, inspecting the oxygen sensor and its wiring, checking for exhaust leaks, and testing the fuel system components.

5. Can I drive my 2009 Nissan Sentra with the OBDII code P0138?

- It is not recommended to drive with the P0138 code illuminated, as it can lead to poor engine performance and potentially cause further damage if left unresolved.

6. How do I repair OBDII code P0138 on a 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- Repair typically involves replacing the HO2S12 sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, fixing any exhaust leaks, and ensuring proper operation of the fuel system.

7. Are there any DIY tips for addressing OBDII code P0138 on my 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- While some basic troubleshooting like checking for loose connections or visible damage can be done, it is advisable to seek professional help for a more accurate diagnosis and repair.

8. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- The cost can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor if only the oxygen sensor needs replacement.

9. What happens if I ignore OBDII code P0138 on my 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- Ignoring the P0138 code can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, engine performance issues, and potential damage to other components over time.

10. Can a faulty catalytic converter cause OBDII code P0138 on a 2009 Nissan Sentra?

- While less common, a faulty catalytic converter could potentially cause the OBDII code P0138 to appear due to improper oxygen sensor readings.

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