AutoCodes – Honda – P0138 2008 Honda Accord

P0138 2008 Honda Accord Code - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Circuit Low 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 2008 Honda Accord indicates HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Circuit Low 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.
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Code Popularity 10,857
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 2008 Honda Accord 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 2008 Honda Accord - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0138 2008 Honda Accord Code - HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2008 Honda Accord?

  • 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 2008 Honda Accord?

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 2008 Honda Accord 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 2008 Honda Accord 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 2008 Honda Accord Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord?

The common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord include poor fuel economy, rough idling, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What does HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Circuit Low Voltage mean in relation to OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord?

HO2S stands for Heated Oxygen Sensor, and Bank 1 Sensor 2 refers to the downstream oxygen sensor located after the catalytic converter. The code P0138 indicates that the voltage from this sensor is lower than normal.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord?

The possible causes of OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, or problems with the engine's air-fuel ratio.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0138 on my 2008 Honda Accord?

To diagnose OBDII code P0138 on your 2008 Honda Accord, you can use an OBDII scanner to read the code, visually inspect the oxygen sensor and its wiring, check for exhaust leaks, and perform voltage tests on the sensor.

5. Can I drive my 2008 Honda Accord with OBDII code P0138?

It is not recommended to drive your 2008 Honda Accord with OBDII code P0138 for an extended period as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P0138 on my 2008 Honda Accord?

To repair OBDII code P0138 on your 2008 Honda Accord, you may need to replace the oxygen sensor, repair any wiring issues, fix exhaust leaks, or address any underlying engine issues causing the low voltage.

7. Is it possible to reset OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord without fixing the underlying issue?

Resetting OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord without fixing the underlying issue will only temporarily turn off the check engine light. The code is likely to reappear once the issue persists.

8. How much does it cost to fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord?

The cost to fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord can vary depending on the specific issue causing the low voltage condition. It may range from a few hundred to a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

9. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord?

A DIY enthusiast with the necessary tools and knowledge of automotive repairs may be able to fix OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord, especially if the issue is related to the oxygen sensor or wiring.

10. Will OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test?

Yes, OBDII code P0138 on a 2008 Honda Accord can cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test due to the abnormal voltage reading from the downstream oxygen sensor affecting the vehicle's emissions output.

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