AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0038 2016 Chevrolet Silverado

P0038 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 335

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0038 on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado mean?

The code P0038 indicates a high voltage condition in the heater control circuit of the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor (HO2S) in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0038 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Common symptoms of a P0038 code may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the illumination of the Check Engine Light on the dashboard.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0038 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

4. How can I diagnose a P0038 code on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing a P0038 code involves checking the wiring and connectors for any damage, testing the oxygen sensor's heater circuit for continuity, and using a scan tool to monitor sensor data and voltage readings.

5. Can I still drive my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado with a P0038 code?

It is generally not recommended to drive your vehicle with a P0038 code as it can affect fuel efficiency and engine performance. It's best to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage.

6. How can I repair a P0038 code on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

7. Is it safe to reset the Check Engine Light after fixing a P0038 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

Yes, once the underlying issue causing the P0038 code has been fixed, it is safe to reset the Check Engine Light using an OBDII scanner to clear the stored trouble codes.

8. How much does it cost to repair a P0038 code on a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of repairing a P0038 code can vary depending on the specific issue causing the code, the labor rates in your area, and whether you choose to do the repairs yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic.

9. Can a P0038 code in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado cause emissions problems?

Yes, a P0038 code can lead to increased emissions from the vehicle due to improper oxygen sensor function, potentially causing your vehicle to fail emissions tests in some areas.

10. How often should I replace the oxygen sensors in my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado to prevent a P0038 code?

Oxygen sensors typically have a lifespan of 60,000 to 100,000 miles, but it's recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and have them inspected regularly to prevent issues like the P0038 code.