AutoCodesChevrolet – P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicates HO2S 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 606
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 26, 2022
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Code P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content of the exhaust stream. When the engine is started, the Engine Control Module (ECM) operates in an Open Loop mode, ignoring the HO2S signal voltage while calculating the air-to-fuel ratio. While the engine runs, the HO2S heats up and begins to generate a voltage within a range of 0 - 1, 000 mV. Once sufficient HO2S voltage fluctuation is observed by the ECM, Closed Loop is entered. The ECM uses the HO2S voltage to determine the air-to-fuel ratio. An HO2S voltage that increases toward 1, 000 mV indicates a rich fuel mixture. An HO2S voltage that decreases toward 0 mV indicates a lean fuel mixture.
The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the ECM to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the HO2S voltage is greater than 1, 050 mV.
OBDII Code P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

  • 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
  • Low or high fuel system pressure
  • Fuel contamination
  • Faulty fuel injectors
  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Engine vacuum leaks

How to Fix the DTC P0138 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado indicate?

- OBDII code P0138 in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado refers to a fault in the HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) circuit, specifically indicating high voltage in Bank 1 Sensor 2.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and potential issues with emissions.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The causes of OBDII code P0138 can include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues in the sensor circuit, a vacuum leak, exhaust leaks, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

4. How do I diagnose the OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Diagnosing OBDII code P0138 involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, testing the oxygen sensor with a multimeter, and checking the sensor's wiring and connections for faults.

5. Can I drive my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0138?

- It's not recommended to drive your Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0138 for an extended period, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0138 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Repairing OBDII code P0138 may involve replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring, fixing any vacuum or exhaust leaks, or addressing issues with the catalytic converter.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado without fixing the underlying issue?

- Resetting OBDII code P0138 without addressing the root cause will only clear the code temporarily. The issue causing the high voltage in the HO2S circuit needs to be fixed to prevent the code from reoccurring.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The cost to repair OBDII code P0138 on a Chevrolet Silverado can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- DIY enthusiasts with the necessary tools and knowledge of automotive repairs may be able to fix OBDII code P0138 by replacing the oxygen sensor or addressing wiring issues. However, professional diagnosis is recommended for accurate repairs.

10. How soon should I address OBDII code P0138 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- It is advisable to address OBDII code P0138 on your Chevrolet Silverado as soon as possible to prevent potential damage to other components, ensure optimal engine performance, and maintain fuel efficiency.

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