AutoCodes – Nissan – P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima

P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima Code - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S) (Rear O2 Sensor), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 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
P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima indicates HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 4,793
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
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Code P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima Description

The Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 (HO2S) (Rear O2 Sensor), after three way catalyst (manifold), monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas on each bank. For optimum catalyst operation, the air fuel mixture (air-fuel ratio) must be maintained near the ideal stoichiometric ratio. The HO2S output voltage changes suddenly in the vicinity of the stoichiometric ratio. The Engine Control Module (ECM) adjusts the fuel injection time so that the air-fuel ratio is nearly stoichiometric. The HO2S generates a voltage between 0.1 and 0.9 V in response to oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas increases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Lean. The ECM interprets Lean when the HO2S voltage is below 0.45 V. If the oxygen in the exhaust gas decreases, the air-fuel ratio becomes Rich. The ECM interprets Rich when the HO2S voltage is above 0.45 V.
OBDII Code P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima Code - HO2S12 Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima?

  • Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted
  • Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Intake air leaks
  • Exhaust gas leaks
  • Inappropriate fuel pressure
  • Faulty fuel injectors

How to Fix the DTC P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima?

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 P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima 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 P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima 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 P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0138 for a 2006 Nissan Maxima indicate?

- The code P0138 indicates that the HO2S12 oxygen sensor circuit has detected high voltage.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0138 code in a 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine misfires, and the illumination of the Check Engine light.

3. What are the potential causes of a P0138 code in a 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- Possible causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, exhaust leaks, or issues with the engine's fuel system.

4. How can I diagnose the cause of a P0138 code in my 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use a scan tool to monitor the oxygen sensor's voltage readings and inspect the sensor wiring and connectors for any visible damage.

5. Can a P0138 code be triggered by a loose gas cap on a 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- While a loose gas cap can trigger a different code related to the evaporative emissions system, it is unlikely to cause a P0138 code specifically.

6. What are some repair tips for fixing a P0138 code in a 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- Repair tips may include replacing the HO2S12 oxygen sensor, repairing or replacing damaged wiring or connectors, and addressing any exhaust leaks in the system.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 2006 Nissan Maxima with a P0138 code?

- It is generally not recommended to continue driving with a P0138 code, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the engine over time.

8. How much does it typically cost to repair a P0138 code on a 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- The cost of repairing a P0138 code can vary depending on the specific issue, but it may range from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.

9. Can I reset the Check Engine light after fixing a P0138 code on my 2006 Nissan Maxima?

- Yes, you can reset the Check Engine light using an OBDII scanner after the issue causing the P0138 code has been addressed.

10. Will a P0138 code cause my 2006 Nissan Maxima to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, a P0138 code can cause your vehicle to fail an emissions test due to the high voltage readings from the HO2S12 sensor.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0138 2006 Nissan Maxima OBDII Code

  • my 2006 Nissan maxima I was stopped at a traffic light as stepped on gas the car did not increase movement it just move at about 8to 10mph it would not move any faster and the motor did not sound it was not increase when stepping on the gas. I was able to pull over and moved the gear shift and in reverse would move normal and the motor was sounding normal.so I tried in drive and it moved very slow and all the dash lights all came on. I was able to get home at a very speed then I put my OBD2 and gave a code O2 sensor circuit high voltage bank1 sensor 2 and PO138 then gave a code POO37 HO2sheater control1 circuit low bank 1 sensor 2.i just need to know if to take the transmission shop or to firestone store, they don't do transmission work.

  • I recommend taking to your Maxima to a transmission shop. Neither of the codes you have will cause the symptoms you describe. Have you tried clearing the codes?

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