AutoCodes – Toyota – P0138 2006 Toyota Camry

P0138 2006 Toyota Camry Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

Quick Answer

In order to obtain a high purification rate of the carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) components in the exhaust gas, a TWC is used. Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, EFI Relay, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted. 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 Toyota Camry indicates Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1, EFI Relay, Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 harness is open or shorted.
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 8,509
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 Toyota Camry Description

In order to obtain a high purification rate of the carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) components in the exhaust gas, a TWC is used. For the most efficient use of the TWC, the air-fuel ratio must be precisely controlled so that it is always close to the stoichiometric air-fuel level. For the purpose of helping the ECM to deliver accurate air-fuel ratio control, a Heated Oxygen (HO2) sensor is used.
The HO2 sensor is located behind the TWC, and detects the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. Since the sensor is integrated with the heater that heats the sensing portion, it is possible to detect the oxygen concentration even when the intake air volume is low (the exhaust gas temperature is low). When the air-fuel ratio becomes lean, the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas is rich. The HO2 sensor informs the ECM that the post-TWC air-fuel ratio is lean (low voltage, i.e. less than 0.45 V). Conversely, when the air-fuel ratio is richer than the stoichiometric air-fuel level, the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas becomes lean. The HO2 sensor informs the ECM that the post-TWC air-fuel ratio is rich (high voltage, i.e. more than 0.45 V). The HO2 sensor has the property of changing its output voltage drastically when the air-fuel ratio is close to the stoichiometric level.
The ECM uses the supplementary information from the HO2 sensor to determine whether the air-fuel ratio after the TWC is rich or lean, and adjusts the fuel injection time accordingly. Thus, if the HO2 sensor is working improperly due to internal malfunctions, the ECM is unable to compensate for deviations in the primary air-fuel ratio control.
OBDII Code P0138 2006 Toyota Camry - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2006 Toyota Camry Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2006 Toyota Camry?

  • Faulty Rear Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1
  • EFI Relay
  • 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 Toyota Camry?

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 Toyota Camry 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 P0138 2006 Toyota Camry Code

1. What does OBDII code P0138 on a 2006 Toyota Camry mean?

- It indicates a high voltage condition in the oxygen sensor circuit for Bank 1 Sensor 2.

2. What are the common symptoms of a P0138 error code in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, and possible hesitation during acceleration.

3. What are the possible causes of a P0138 code in a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- The causes can include a faulty oxygen sensor, damaged wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or an exhaust leak.

4. How can I diagnose a P0138 code in my 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Diagnostic steps may involve checking the oxygen sensor's voltage readings, inspecting the sensor wiring, and looking for exhaust leaks.

5. Can a P0138 code be triggered by a loose gas cap on a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- No, a loose gas cap is unlikely to cause a P0138 code as it is related to the oxygen sensor circuit.

6. How can I repair a P0138 error code on my 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Repair options may include replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, and fixing any exhaust leaks.

7. Is it safe to continue driving with a P0138 code on a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- It is generally not recommended to drive with a P0138 code as it can lead to poor engine performance and potential long-term damage.

8. Will resetting the OBDII system clear a P0138 code on a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Resetting the system may temporarily clear the code, but it is essential to address the underlying issue to prevent it from reoccurring.

9. Can a P0138 code affect the emissions of a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- Yes, a P0138 code can impact emissions as it relates to the oxygen sensor's function in monitoring and adjusting fuel mixture.

10. How much does it typically cost to repair a P0138 code on a 2006 Toyota Camry?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause, but it may involve parts and labor expenses ranging from $100 to $300 or more.

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