AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0038 2017 Chevrolet Silverado

P0038 2017 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 2017 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 338

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 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What does OBDII code P0038 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the HO2S (Heated Oxygen Sensor) heater control circuit on Bank 1 Sensor 2, showing high voltage.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

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

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0038 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Potential 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 the OBDII code P0038 in my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Diagnosing code P0038 typically involves checking the oxygen sensor's wiring and connectors, testing the sensor's heater element, inspecting the fuse related to the sensor circuit, and scanning the ECM for any stored fault codes.

5. Can I continue driving my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0038?

It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with an unresolved P0038 code, 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 on my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Repairing code P0038 involves replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor if it is faulty, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, and ensuring the sensor's heater element is functioning correctly.

7. Will resetting the check engine light resolve OBDII code P0038 in my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Resetting the check engine light may temporarily turn it off, but if the underlying issue causing code P0038 is not addressed, the light is likely to illuminate again once the ECM detects the problem during its self-tests.

8. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0038 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

The cost of fixing code P0038 can vary depending on the root cause of the issue. Replacing the oxygen sensor or repairing wiring/connectors may cost a few hundred dollars at a repair shop.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast repair OBDII code P0038 in a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

Depending on your skill level and access to tools, DIY enthusiasts may be able to address code P0038 by following repair guides specific to Bank 1 Sensor 2 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado.

10. How long does it take to fix OBDII code P0038 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?

The repair time for code P0038 can vary based on the specific issue causing the code. Simple fixes like replacing a fuse or connector may take less than an hour, while replacing the oxygen sensor could take a few hours.