AutoCodes – Toyota – P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4

P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

The sensing portion of the heated oxygen sensor has a zirconia element which is used to detect the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. Common causes include Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor (H2OS) Bank 1 Sensor 2, Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 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 Bank 1 Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 269
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 22, 2022
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 Description

The sensing portion of the heated oxygen sensor has a zirconia element which is used to detect the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. If the zirconia element is at the appropriate temperature, and the difference between the oxygen concentrations surrounding the inside and outside surfaces of the sensor is large, the zirconia element generates voltage signals. In order to increase the oxygen concentration detecting capacity of the zirconia element, the Engine Control Module (ECM) supplements the heat from the exhaust with heat from a heating element inside the sensor.
The ECM monitors the current applied to the heated oxygen sensor heater to check the heater for malfunctions.
If the heater current is outside the normal range, the signal transmitted by the heated oxygen sensor becomes inaccurate. When the current in the heated oxygen sensor heater is outside the normal operating range, the ECM interprets this as a malfunction in the sensor heater and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4?

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

How to Fix the DTC P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4?

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 2015 Toyota RAV4 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 2015 Toyota RAV4 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 2015 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0038 for a 2015 Toyota RAV4 mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High for Bank 1 Sensor 2 in the 2015 Toyota RAV4.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Common symptoms of code P0038 may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the check engine light in the 2015 Toyota RAV4.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Possible causes of code P0038 in the 2015 Toyota RAV4 include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or a problem with the engine control module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

To diagnose the problem associated with code P0038, you can use a scan tool to check for additional trouble codes, visually inspect the wiring and connectors, test the oxygen sensor and heater circuit, and check the fuse related to the sensor.

5. Can I continue driving my 2015 Toyota RAV4 with OBDII code P0038?

It is not recommended to continue driving your 2015 Toyota RAV4 with code P0038, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Repairing code P0038 may involve replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, replacing a blown fuse, or addressing any issues with the ECM.

7. Is it possible to reset the check engine light caused by OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

You can reset the check engine light after addressing the underlying issue causing code P0038 in your 2015 Toyota RAV4. However, if the problem is not fixed, the light will likely come back on.

8. How can I prevent OBDII code P0038 from occurring in my 2015 Toyota RAV4?

To prevent code P0038, you can follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, avoid harsh driving conditions, and promptly address any warning signs related to the oxygen sensor or engine performance.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

Depending on your skill level and access to tools, a DIY enthusiast may be able to address code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4 by following repair guides or seeking assistance from online forums or automotive resources.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4?

The cost of repairing code P0038 in a 2015 Toyota RAV4 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue, the cost of parts, and labor rates. It is recommended to obtain quotes from reputable mechanics or service centers for an accurate estimate.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 OBDII Code

Code P0038 2015 Toyota RAV4 comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play