AutoCodes – Nissan – P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder

P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder Code - HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High

Quick Answer

Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 fuse, Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted. 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
P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder indicates HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 fuse, Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted.
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 2,852
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2024
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Code P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder Description

Oxygen Sensors (O2S) or Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) need to reach a minimum operating temperature of 750 degrees F to produce an accurate voltage signal. The faster the heated oxygen sensor reaches that temperature the faster the sensor will start sending an accurate signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM).
In order to achieve the require temperature, a heater element is included inside the heated oxygen sensor. The ECM controls the heated oxygen sensor heater element based on signals from the engine coolant temperature and engine load. The ECM controls the heater element circuit by allowing current flow to ground.
The ECM monitors the voltage signal received through the heater element circuit and determines the state of the circuit by comparing the voltage detected with the factory specifications.
OBDII Code P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder - HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder Code - HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 fuse
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

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 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 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 P0038 2007 Nissan Pathfinder Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0038 for a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the Heater Control Circuit for the HO2S12 sensor in the exhaust system.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Common symptoms include the Check Engine light illuminating, reduced fuel efficiency, rough idling, and potential engine misfires.

3. What are the typical causes of the HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High error in a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Possible causes include a faulty HO2S12 sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or issues with the vehicle's engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High problem in my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Diagnosis involves checking the sensor's resistance, inspecting the wiring for damage, testing the heater circuit, and scanning the ECM for related trouble codes.

5. Can I continue driving my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder with the P0038 code present?

It's not recommended to drive with the P0038 code active, as it can lead to reduced engine performance and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

6. How can I repair the HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High issue in my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Repairs may involve replacing the HO2S12 sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, replacing blown fuses, or addressing any issues with the ECM as needed.

7. Are there any tips for preventing the recurrence of the P0038 code in my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Regularly inspecting and maintaining the HO2S12 sensor, keeping an eye on the vehicle's overall condition, and promptly addressing any related warning signs can help prevent the code from reappearing.

8. Is it possible to reset the Check Engine light after fixing the P0038 code in a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

Yes, the Check Engine light can be reset using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes to clear the error code.

9. How long does it typically take to repair the HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High issue in a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the problem, but it may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to diagnose and fix the issue.

10. Should I seek professional help to address the P0038 code in my 2007 Nissan Pathfinder?

If you're not confident in diagnosing or repairing the issue yourself, it's recommended to consult a qualified mechanic or technician to properly address the HO2S12 Heater Control Circuit High problem.

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