P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code - HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2
Quick Answer
The Heated Oxygen Sensors (HO2S) are used for fuel control and catalyst monitoring. 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 2017 Chevrolet Silverado indicates HO2S 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.
Code P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Description
The heating elements inside each HO2S heat the sensor to bring the sensor up to operating conditions faster. This allows the system to enter Closed Loop earlier and the ECM to calculate the air-to-fuel ratio sooner.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects that the HO2S voltage is greater than 1, 050 mV.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
- 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
- Low or high fuel system pressure
- Fuel contamination
- Faulty fuel injectors
- Exhaust gas leaks
- Engine vacuum leaks
How to Fix the DTC P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
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
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What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 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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Frequently Asked Questions about P0138 2017 Chevrolet Silverado Code
1. What does the OBDII code P0138 mean on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
P0138 indicates that the downstream oxygen sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 2) is reporting excessively high voltage, suggesting an issue in the sensor or exhaust system.
2. What are the symptoms of code P0138 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
Common symptoms include poor fuel efficiency, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the check engine light illuminating.
3. What causes P0138 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
Possible causes include a faulty downstream oxygen sensor, damaged sensor wiring, exhaust leaks, or an overly rich air-fuel mixture.
4. Can a dirty air filter cause code P0138 on my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
While unlikely, a clogged air filter might indirectly affect the air-fuel ratio, potentially contributing to the issue.
5. How do I fix code P0138 on my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
Start by inspecting and, if necessary, replacing the downstream oxygen sensor (Bank 1, Sensor 2). Check for wiring damage or exhaust system leaks.
6. Can I drive my 2017 Chevrolet Silverado with code P0138?
Driving with P0138 is possible but not recommended, as it can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and potentially damage the catalytic converter.
7. How much does it cost to repair code P0138 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
Repair costs can range from $150 to $400, depending on whether you replace the oxygen sensor or need additional repairs.
8. Do I need to replace the catalytic converter for code P0138?
Not typically. P0138 usually involves issues with the oxygen sensor or wiring, but prolonged driving with this code may damage the catalytic converter.
9. How do I diagnose the cause of code P0138 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
Use a multimeter to check the oxygen sensor voltage, inspect wiring for damage, and verify the air-fuel mixture with a scan tool.
10. Does a software update fix code P0138 on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado?
A software update is unlikely to resolve this specific code, as it typically involves physical sensor or wiring issues.
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