AutoCodes – GMC – P0038 2014 GMC Sierra

P0038 2014 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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: P0038 2014 GMC Sierra indicates HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open shorted to ground, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 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 369

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Moderate (Service soon) (2 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2024

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0038 2014 GMC Sierra Description

Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and post catalyst monitoring. Each HO2S compares the oxygen content of the surrounding air with the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The HO2S must reach an operating temperature to provide an accurate voltage signal. A heating element inside the HO2S minimizes the time required for the sensors to reach operating temperature. Voltage is provided to the heater by an ignition voltage circuit through a fuse. With the engine running, the ground is provided to the heater by the HO2S heater low control circuit through a low side driver within the Engine Control Module (ECM). The ECM uses Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the HO2S heater operation to maintain a specific HO2S operating temperature range.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects a short to voltage in the heater output low side driver circuit of the heated oxygen sensor when the heater is commanded ON for greater than 5 s.

OBDII Code P0038 2014 GMC Sierra - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 2014 GMC Sierra Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2014 GMC Sierra?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0038 2014 GMC Sierra?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

The code means that there is a problem with the heater element circuit of the heated oxygen sensor. The control module monitors how long it takes the sensor to warm up and start sending an adequate signal. The code is set when the sensor is taking too long to warm up. Water getting inside the heated oxygen sensor connector can cause the heated oxygen sensor fuse to blow. Before replacing the sensor, check for the condition of the heated oxygen sensor fuse and connectors. If the fuse and connector are OK, replacing the O2 Sensor usually takes care of the problem.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0038 2014 GMC Sierra 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.

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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 2014 GMC Sierra Code

1. What does OBDII code P0038 for a 2014 GMC Sierra mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) heater control circuit high voltage for Bank 1 Sensor 2 in a 2014 GMC Sierra.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

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

3. What are the potential causes of OBDII code P0038 in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

Possible causes of code P0038 include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, a blown fuse, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0038 in my 2014 GMC Sierra?

Diagnosing code P0038 typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code, inspecting the wiring and connectors related to Bank 1 Sensor 2, and testing the sensor's heater circuit for proper voltage.

5. Can I continue driving my 2014 GMC Sierra with OBDII code P0038?

While the vehicle may still be operable with code P0038, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter and to ensure optimal engine performance.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 in my 2014 GMC Sierra?

Repairing code P0038 may involve replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing fuses if necessary, or reprogramming the ECM if the issue lies there.

7. Is it possible to reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P0038 in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

Once the underlying issue causing code P0038 is resolved, the check engine light can be reset using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the vehicle's battery for a few minutes to clear the error code.

8. How critical is it to address OBDII code P0038 promptly in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

Addressing code P0038 promptly is important to ensure proper engine performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions control. Ignoring the issue could lead to more serious problems down the line.

9. Can extreme weather conditions affect the likelihood of OBDII code P0038 occurring in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

Extreme weather conditions, such as very cold temperatures, can potentially impact the performance of the oxygen sensor's heater circuit and increase the likelihood of triggering code P0038.

10. Are there any preventative maintenance tips to help avoid OBDII code P0038 in a 2014 GMC Sierra?

To help prevent code P0038, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, regularly check the condition of oxygen sensors, and promptly address any issues related to the vehicle's emissions system.