AutoCodesHonda – P0138 Honda

P0138 Honda Code - Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

Quick Answer

The Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor (Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2)) detects the oxygen content in the exhaust gas downstream of the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) during stoichiometric air/fuel ratio feedback control. Common causes include Faulty Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2, Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 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 Honda indicates Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2, Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted, Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 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 79,245
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 14, 2023
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Code P0138 Honda Description

The Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor (Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2)) detects the oxygen content in the exhaust gas downstream of the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) during stoichiometric air/fuel ratio feedback control. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the air/fuel ratio from the Air/Fuel Ratio (A/F) Sensor (Sensor 1) output voltage to optimize the TWC efficiency. When power is applied to the Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2) heater, if the Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2) output voltage is high or the SO2SG terminal voltage is high during feedback control, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P0138 Honda - Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage - AutoCodes.com
P0138 Honda Code - Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0138 Honda?

  • Faulty Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2
  • Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 harness is open or shorted
  • Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0138 Honda?

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 Honda 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 Honda code?

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Information for Specific Honda Models

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 Honda Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 in a Honda related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage?

- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and the illumination of the check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0138 in a Honda?

- The code P0138 in a Honda typically indicates issues with the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage, which can be caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring problems, or a malfunctioning engine control module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0138 in my Honda related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage?

- To diagnose the issue, you can use an OBDII scanner to retrieve the specific fault code and then inspect the oxygen sensor, check the wiring for any damage, and test the ECM for proper functioning.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Honda with OBDII code P0138 indicating an issue with the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage?

- It is not recommended to drive your Honda with code P0138 unresolved, as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potentially cause damage to the catalytic converter over time.

5. How can I repair OBDII code P0138 related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage in my Honda?

- Repairing code P0138 may involve replacing the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2, repairing damaged wiring, or reprogramming the ECM. It is advisable to consult a professional mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.

6. Can a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor cause OBDII code P0138 in a Honda?

- Yes, a dirty or contaminated oxygen sensor can cause code P0138 by affecting its ability to accurately measure the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases, leading to high voltage readings.

7. Are there any maintenance tips to prevent OBDII code P0138 related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage in my Honda?

- Regularly scheduled maintenance, such as replacing oxygen sensors at recommended intervals, inspecting wiring for damage, and using high-quality fuel, can help prevent issues that may trigger code P0138.

8. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0138 related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage in a Honda?

- The repair time for code P0138 can vary depending on the cause of the issue and the extent of repairs needed. It may take anywhere from 1-3 hours in most cases.

9. Can I reset the check engine light after repairing OBDII code P0138 in my Honda related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage?

- Yes, after repairing the issue causing code P0138, you can reset the check engine light by using an OBDII scanner or by disconnecting the car's battery for a few minutes to clear the error code.

10. Will OBDII code P0138 related to the Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Circuit High Voltage cause my Honda to fail an emissions test?

- Yes, code P0138 can cause your Honda to fail an emissions test as it indicates a problem with the oxygen sensor, which is crucial for proper emissions control. It is important to address the issue before undergoing an emissions test.

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