AutoCodes – Toyota – P0138 2007 Toyota Camry

P0138 2007 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 2007 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 14,548
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 19, 2020
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Code P0138 2007 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 2007 Toyota Camry - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2007 Toyota Camry Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2007 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 2007 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 2007 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.

Need more information about the P0138 2007 Toyota Camry 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 2007 Toyota Camry Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 in a 2007 Toyota Camry?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel efficiency, a noticeable decrease in engine performance, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P0138 "Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2" mean in a 2007 Toyota Camry?

- This code indicates that the oxygen sensor located after the catalytic converter on bank 1 is detecting a higher than normal voltage level.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 in a 2007 Toyota Camry?

- The potential causes of this code can include a faulty oxygen sensor, issues with the wiring or connectors in the sensor circuit, or a problem with the engine control module.

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0138 in my 2007 Toyota Camry?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the code, inspecting the oxygen sensor and its connections, and testing the sensor's voltage output.

5. Can I drive my 2007 Toyota Camry with the OBDII code P0138 without causing further damage?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code present, as it can lead to poor engine performance and potentially cause damage to the catalytic converter over time.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0138 in my 2007 Toyota Camry?

- Repairing this code may involve replacing the oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, or reprogramming the engine control module if necessary.

7. Should I reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P0138 in my 2007 Toyota Camry?

- Yes, it is recommended to reset the check engine light using an OBDII scanner after repairing the underlying issue to ensure the system registers the repair.

8. Is it possible for a dirty or contaminated fuel system to trigger OBDII code P0138 in a 2007 Toyota Camry?

- While less common, a dirty or contaminated fuel system could potentially impact the oxygen sensor's readings and lead to the high voltage condition triggering this code.

9. Can extreme weather conditions or driving in rough terrain cause OBDII code P0138 in a 2007 Toyota Camry?

- Extreme weather or rough terrain are unlikely to directly cause this code, but they can exacerbate existing issues with the oxygen sensor or sensor circuit.

10. How often should the oxygen sensors be inspected and replaced in a 2007 Toyota Camry to prevent OBDII code P0138?

- Oxygen sensors should be inspected and replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, to help prevent issues like OBDII code P0138.

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