AutoCodes – Buick – P1E38 Buick

P1E38 Buick Code - Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Inverter Supply Voltage Circuit

Quick Answer

The power inverter motor, often referred to as the drive motor generator power inverter module, contains three motor control modules and the hybrid powertrain control module. Common causes include Program Power Inverter Module, Faulty Power Inverter Module, Power Inverter Module harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1E38 Buick indicates Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Inverter Supply Voltage Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Program Power Inverter Module, Faulty Power Inverter Module, Power Inverter Module harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 805

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 23, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1E38 Buick Description

The power inverter motor, often referred to as the drive motor generator power inverter module, contains three motor control modules and the hybrid powertrain control module. Two of the motor control modules operate their respective drive motor generator based upon power inverter module commands. The third motor control module controls the auxiliary transmission fluid pump motor. The hybrid powertrain control module and the motor control modules share the power inverter module ignition voltage circuit, battery voltage circuits and chassis earth.

OBDII Code P1E38 Buick - Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Inverter Supply Voltage Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P1E38 Buick Code - Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Inverter Supply Voltage Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1E38 Buick?

Program Power Inverter Module
Faulty Power Inverter Module
Power Inverter Module harness is open or shorted
Power Inverter Module circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1E38 Buick?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1E38 Buick 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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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 P1E38 Buick Code

What does the OBDII code P1E38 mean for a Buick?

The code P1E38 indicates an issue with the Auxiliary Transmission Fluid Pump Inverter Supply Voltage Circuit, which affects the operation of the auxiliary transmission fluid pump.

What are the symptoms of code P1E38 in a Buick?

Common symptoms include transmission overheating, erratic shifting, reduced fuel efficiency, and the illumination of the check engine light.

What causes the P1E38 code to appear in a Buick?

Potential causes include a faulty auxiliary transmission fluid pump inverter, damaged wiring or connectors, low supply voltage, or a malfunctioning transmission control module (TCM).

Can code P1E38 lead to transmission damage if ignored?

Yes, ignoring this code can lead to inadequate lubrication and cooling in the transmission, potentially resulting in severe damage over time.

How is the P1E38 code diagnosed?

Technicians typically use a scan tool to confirm the code, inspect wiring and connectors for damage, and perform voltage tests on the inverter circuit.

What repairs are needed to fix code P1E38?

Repairs may involve replacing the auxiliary transmission fluid pump inverter, repairing damaged wiring, or updating the transmission control module software.

Can a weak battery cause the P1E38 code?

Yes, a weak or failing battery can result in insufficient voltage supply to the inverter circuit, triggering the P1E38 code.

Is it safe to drive with the P1E38 code active?

Driving with this code active is not recommended, as it may lead to transmission overheating and long-term damage.

How much does it cost to fix the P1E38 code in a Buick?

Repair costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $100 for minor wiring repairs to over $1,000 for inverter or transmission component replacement.

Does clearing the P1E38 code solve the problem?

Clearing the code without addressing the underlying issue will only provide a temporary fix, as the code is likely to reappear.