AutoCodes – Toyota – P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander

P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

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 (EFI Relay), 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 Toyota Highlander indicates Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 (EFI Relay), 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 4,717
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 P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander?

  • Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2
  • Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2 (EFI Relay)
  • 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 Toyota Highlander?

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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the 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 Toyota Highlander Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0038 mean for a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

The code P0038 indicates an issue with the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High for Bank 1 Sensor 2 in a 2007 Toyota Highlander.

2. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

Common symptoms of code P0038 may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, and an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard.

3. What are possible causes of the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 code in a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

Possible causes of code P0038 in a 2007 Toyota Highlander include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem with the sensor heater circuit.

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P0038 in my 2007 Toyota Highlander?

Diagnosing code P0038 typically involves using a scan tool to check for the code, inspecting the oxygen sensor and related wiring, and testing the sensor heater circuit for proper operation.

5. Can I still drive my 2007 Toyota Highlander with the OBDII code P0038 present?

It is generally not recommended to drive a vehicle with code P0038 present, as it can lead to poor engine performance and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 in my 2007 Toyota Highlander?

To repair code P0038, you may need to replace the oxygen sensor, repair any damaged wiring or connectors, or address any issues with the sensor heater circuit as needed.

7. Is it safe to clear the OBDII code P0038 in my 2007 Toyota Highlander without fixing the underlying issue?

Clearing the code without addressing the root cause may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but the issue will likely reoccur, potentially causing further problems down the line.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0038 in a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

The cost to repair code P0038 can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred dollars for parts and labor to over a thousand dollars if more extensive repairs are needed.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0038 in a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

Depending on their skill level, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address code P0038 by following repair guides, but it's important to have the necessary tools and knowledge to work on the oxygen sensor and related components.

10. How often does the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 code occur in 2007 Toyota Highlanders?

While the frequency of code P0038 can vary, it is a relatively common issue in 2007 Toyota Highlanders and should be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0038 2007 Toyota Highlander OBDII Code

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