OBD-II code · Powertrain (generic)
P0038 HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
The heater control line for the upstream bank 1 oxygen sensor reads above the expected voltage, typical of a short to supply.
Is it safe to drive with P0038?
Usually safe to drive in the short term. Get it diagnosed when convenient, sooner if the car drives differently.
Common causes
- Most likelyHeater wire shorted to supply
- Less likelyConnector pins corroded - high contact resistance
- Less likelySupply wire pinched against B+ source
Repair at a glance
- Difficulty
- Easy
- DIY friendly
- Often, with basic tools
- Typical labour
- 0.5–1.5 h
- Emissions test
- Likely to fail
- After the fix
- A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
- Parts involved
- Oxygen Sensor Heater, Sensor Wiring
Related codes
- P0032HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
- P0052HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)
- P0058HO2S Heater Control Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 2)
- P0035Turbocharger Bypass Valve Control Circuit High
- P0036HO2S Heater Control Circuit (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0037HO2S Heater Control Circuit Low (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
- P0039Turbocharger/Supercharger Bypass Valve A Control Circuit Range/Performance
- P003ATurbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control A Position Exceeded Learning Limit
- P003BTurbocharger/Supercharger Boost Control B Position Exceeded Learning Limit
Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.