AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0038 2018 Chevrolet Silverado

P0038 2018 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 2018 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 524
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 25, 2024
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Code P0038 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0038 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code - HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 2018 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 2018 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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0038 2018 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.

Need more information about the P0038 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 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 2018 Chevrolet Silverado Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0038 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Common symptoms may include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and illuminated Check Engine Light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0038 "HO2S Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2" mean on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- This code indicates that there is a high voltage condition in the heater control circuit of the downstream oxygen sensor in bank 1.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0038 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Possible causes 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 OBDII code P0038 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking the oxygen sensor's wiring and connectors for damage, testing the sensor's heater circuit resistance, and inspecting the fuse related to the sensor.

5. Can I continue driving my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado with OBDII code P0038 present?

- It is generally not recommended to drive with this code active, as it can lead to poor engine performance and potential damage if left unresolved.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0038 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Repair may involve replacing the downstream oxygen sensor in bank 1, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and resetting the fault code with a diagnostic scanner.

7. Are there any DIY tips for fixing OBDII code P0038 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- DIY tips include checking the oxygen sensor's connections, inspecting the sensor's wiring for damage, and ensuring the fuse related to the sensor is intact.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0038 on a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from around $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

9. What happens if I ignore OBDII code P0038 on my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado?

- Ignoring this code can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, potential engine damage, and difficulties passing emissions tests.

10. Is OBDII code P0038 a common issue in 2018 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles?

- While not extremely common, issues related to oxygen sensor heater circuits can occur in various vehicles, including the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.

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