P0138 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac?
- 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 Pontiac?
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 Pontiac 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 Pontiac Code
1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0138 in a Pontiac?
- Common symptoms include poor fuel economy, rough idling, engine hesitation, and an illuminated check engine light.
2. What does the OBDII code P0138 (HO2S Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2) indicate in a Pontiac?
- This code indicates that the oxygen sensor in Bank 1 Sensor 2 is detecting a high voltage condition.
3. What are some possible causes of OBDII code P0138 in a Pontiac?
- Potential causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, wiring issues, exhaust leaks, engine misfires, or a malfunctioning catalytic converter.
4. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0138 in my Pontiac?
- Diagnosing this code involves using an OBDII scanner to read the code, checking the oxygen sensor voltage levels, inspecting the wiring for damage, and testing the sensor's functionality.
5. Can I continue driving my Pontiac with the OBDII code P0138?
- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with this code as it can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and potentially cause damage to the catalytic converter.
6. Is it safe to ignore the OBDII code P0138 in my Pontiac?
- Ignoring this code can lead to more serious issues over time, such as reduced engine performance and increased emissions. It is best to address the underlying problem promptly.
7. How can I repair the OBDII code P0138 in my Pontiac?
- Repairing this code typically involves replacing the Bank 1 Sensor 2 oxygen sensor, repairing any damaged wiring, and clearing the code from the vehicle's computer.
8. Can I replace the oxygen sensor myself to fix the OBDII code P0138 in my Pontiac?
- If you have the necessary tools and experience, you can replace the oxygen sensor yourself. However, if you are unsure, it is recommended to seek professional help for proper installation.
9. Will resetting the check engine light resolve the OBDII code P0138 in my Pontiac?
- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily turn it off, but it will not fix the underlying issue causing the code. It is important to diagnose and repair the problem to prevent it from reoccurring.
10. How much does it typically cost to repair the OBDII code P0138 in a Pontiac?
- The cost of repairing this code can vary depending on the cause of the issue, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 for parts and labor.
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