AutoCodes – Toyota – P0138 2007 Toyota Highlander

P0138 2007 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

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 2007 Toyota Highlander indicates Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2.
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.
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Code Popularity 8,787
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 2007 Toyota Highlander 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 2007 Toyota Highlander - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2 - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2007 Toyota Highlander Code - Oxygen Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2007 Toyota Highlander?

  • 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 2007 Toyota Highlander?

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 Highlander 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 Highlander code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0138 2007 Toyota Highlander code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the 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 Highlander Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- Common symptoms include decreased fuel efficiency, rough idling, 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 for a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- This code indicates that the oxygen sensor downstream of the catalytic converter in Bank 1 is detecting a high voltage condition.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

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

4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0138 on my 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves using an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific error code, checking the oxygen sensor's voltage readings, inspecting the sensor's wiring and connectors, and looking for any exhaust leaks.

5. Can I continue driving my 2007 Toyota Highlander with the OBDII code P0138 present?

- While it may be possible to drive with this code present, it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the catalytic converter and ensure optimal performance.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0138 on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- Repairing this code often involves replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, fixing exhaust leaks, and clearing the error code with an OBDII scanner.

7. Are there any DIY tips for resolving OBDII code P0138 on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- DIY enthusiasts can attempt to replace the oxygen sensor themselves using basic tools and following the vehicle's service manual for guidance. However, if unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

8. How much does it typically cost to fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- The cost of fixing this code can vary depending on the specific cause and whether you choose to do the repairs yourself or take your vehicle to a mechanic. Costs may include parts and labor.

9. What is the importance of addressing OBDII code P0138 promptly on a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- Promptly addressing this code is crucial to maintain the vehicle's performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance. Ignoring the issue can lead to more severe problems down the line.

10. Can a faulty oxygen sensor causing OBDII code P0138 affect the overall performance of a 2007 Toyota Highlander?

- Yes, a faulty oxygen sensor can impact the engine's air-fuel ratio, emissions control, and overall performance of the vehicle, making it important to address the issue promptly.

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