AutoCodes – Toyota – P0038 2017 Toyota RAV4

P0038 2017 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 2017 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.
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Code Popularity 362
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 22, 2022
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Code P0038 2017 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 2017 Toyota RAV4 - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Toyota RAV4 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 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does OBDII code P0038 for a 2017 Toyota RAV4 mean?

The code P0038 indicates a problem with the Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High for Bank 1 Sensor 2 in the vehicle's exhaust system.

2. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

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

3. What are the possible causes of code P0038 in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Potential causes of code P0038 include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors, a blown fuse, or issues with the ECM (Engine Control Module).

4. How can I diagnose the issue related to code P0038 in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Diagnosing code P0038 may involve inspecting the oxygen sensor, checking for damaged wiring, testing the sensor's resistance, and scanning the ECM for related error codes.

5. Can I drive my 2017 Toyota RAV4 with OBDII code P0038?

It is generally 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.

6. How do I repair OBDII code P0038 in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Repairing code P0038 may involve replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, checking and replacing fuses if necessary, and clearing the error code.

7. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0038 in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

The cost of fixing code P0038 can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue. Generally, replacing an oxygen sensor can cost between $200 to $400, while other repairs may add to the total cost.

8. Can I reset the check engine light after fixing code P0038 in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Yes, after resolving the issue related to code P0038, you can reset the check engine light using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes.

9. Will code P0038 cause my 2017 Toyota RAV4 to fail an emissions test?

Yes, code P0038 typically indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system, which may cause it to fail an emissions test until the issue is resolved.

10. How often does OBDII code P0038 occur in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Code P0038 is not a very common occurrence in a 2017 Toyota RAV4, but it can still happen due to various factors affecting the oxygen sensor and related components.

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