AutoCodes – Lexus – P0038 Lexus

P0038 Lexus 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 Lexus 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 8,986

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 Aug 22, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
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Code P0038 Lexus 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 Lexus - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com — P0038 Lexus Code - Oxygen Sensor Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0038 Lexus?

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 Lexus?

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 Lexus 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.