AutoCodesFord – P1138 2000 Ford F150

P1138 2000 Ford F150 Code - Lack Of Heated Oxygen Sensor Switches Bank 1 Sensor 2 Switch Indicates Rich

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream), after the three-way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Exhaust gas leaks, Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted. 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
P1138 2000 Ford F150 indicates Lack Of Heated Oxygen Sensor Switches Bank 1 Sensor 2 Switch Indicates Rich.
Common causes
Common causes include Exhaust gas leaks, Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1, Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted.
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 2,447
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 24, 2020
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Code P1138 2000 Ford F150 Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream), after the 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 maintain near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S2 output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S2 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 PCM interprets Lean when the HO2S2 voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The PCM interprets Rich when the HO2S2 voltage is above 0.45 V. The P1138 code will set when the PCM detects that the HO2S2 signal is above the voltage of range for an extended period.
OBDII Code P1138 2000 Ford F150 - Lack Of Heated Oxygen Sensor Switches Bank 1 Sensor 2 Switch Indicates Rich - AutoCodes.com
P1138 2000 Ford F150 Code - Lack Of Heated Oxygen Sensor Switches Bank 1 Sensor 2 Switch Indicates Rich

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1138 2000 Ford F150?

  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S2) (Downstream) Bank 1
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Inappropriate fuel pressure
  • Faulty fuel injectors

How to Fix the DTC P1138 2000 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 P1138 2000 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.

Need more information about the P1138 2000 Ford F150 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 P1138 2000 Ford F150 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P1138 mean on a 2000 Ford F150?

P1138 indicates that the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) for Bank 1 Sensor 2 is detecting a consistently rich air-fuel mixture, meaning there’s too much fuel compared to air.

2. What are the common symptoms of code P1138 in my Ford F150?

Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, a rough idle, black smoke from the exhaust, reduced engine performance, and possibly an illuminated check engine light.

3. What causes the P1138 code in a 2000 Ford F150?

Potential causes include a faulty Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, leaking fuel injectors, a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator, an exhaust leak near the sensor, or wiring issues.

4. Can a bad oxygen sensor trigger the P1138 code?

Yes, a malfunctioning Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of the P1138 code.

5. How do I fix the P1138 code on my Ford F150?

Start by inspecting and replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor if needed. If the sensor is fine, check for fuel system issues, exhaust leaks, or damaged wiring.

6. What tools do I need to diagnose the P1138 code?

You’ll need an OBDII scanner, a multimeter to check wiring, and possibly a fuel pressure gauge to test the fuel system.

7. Can a vacuum leak cause the P1138 code?

While vacuum leaks usually cause a lean condition, they are unlikely to trigger a P1138 code, which specifically relates to a rich mixture.

8. Is it safe to drive my 2000 Ford F150 with the P1138 code?

Driving with this code is not recommended as it can lead to poor fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

9. How do I know if the oxygen sensor is the issue for code P1138?

Use a scan tool to monitor the sensor's voltage readings. If the readings are stuck or do not fluctuate, the sensor may be faulty.

10. What is Bank 1 Sensor 2 in the Ford F150?

Bank 1 refers to the side of the engine with cylinder 1, and Sensor 2 is the downstream oxygen sensor located after the catalytic converter.

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