What Does Code P0138 Mean?
- P0138 definition: O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
- Issue Severity: MODERATE – Extended driving with this code can cause internal engine damage.
- Repair Urgency: Get this code fixed withing the next month to prevent internal engine damage.
- Diagnosis: It is important to complete the entire diagnostic process when diagnosing the P0138 code. This DTC can be triggered by a faulty oxygen sensor or incorrect fuel pressure.
Oxygen sensor 2 is the downstream oxygen sensor in relationship to the catalytic converter. It measures the amount of air and fuel coming out of the catalytic converter to ensure the catalytic converter is functioning properly. If the voltage is high (approx. .9V) there is an excess of fuel in the mixture. If the voltage is low (approx. .1V) then there is an excess of air in the mixture. Therefore, the downstream oxygen sensor (sensor 2) should produce a steady voltage of approximately 0.45 volts. When trouble code P0138 is set, this indicates that there is a high voltage (steadily above .9 volts) for more than 10 seconds indicating a lack of oxygen in the exhaust stream and an abundance of fuel at sensor 2 on the bank 1 of the engine.
P0138 Causes
- Faulty O2 Sensor
- Short to battery voltage in O2 sensor signal circuit
- Corroded wiring
- Fuel pressure too high
- Engine coolant temperature sensor
P0138 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Engine runs rich
- Lower fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Strong fumes
How Do I Fix Code P0138?
With a P0138 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction in the oxygen sensor voltage. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze inputs from the oxygen sensor to properly diagnose a P0138 code. If you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue further at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0138?
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0138 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0138
For error code P0138, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Oxygen sensor $200-$300
- Fuel pressure regulator $200-$400
- Engine coolant temperature sensor $150-$200
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0138
If you’d like to try to fix code P0138 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Diagnosis can require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but, on most vehicles, this is still a beginner-level diagnosis and repair for DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Easy
This repair is easy for beginner DIYers to attempt.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Multimeter
- Fuel pressure gauge
- Vehicle specific service manual
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Use FIXD to scan your vehicle to verify P0138 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.
STEP 2: CHECK WIRING AND CONNECTIONS.
Inspect all of the wiring and connectors at the oxygen sensor.
STEP 3: CHECK OXYGEN SENSOR VOLTAGE.
Check voltage at the O2 sensor; if the voltage is steadily high (.9V or higher) the O2 sensor may be faulty. Before replacing, check the following:
- Verify coolant temperature is reading properly (consult vehicle manual for specification)
- Verify fuel pressure is within spec.
If the O2 sensor is reading high voltage and the fuel pressure and coolant temperature are within spec, replace the bank 1 downstream O2 sensor.
STEP 5: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car’s engine coolant system, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.
Common P0138 Diagnosis Mistakes
It is important to complete the entire diagnostic process when diagnosing P0138. Don’t overlook an easy cause such as a loose or damaged connector. Being so close to the ground and the hot exhaust, the wiring and plastic connectors for the oxygen sensor are susceptible to damage.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0138?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the coolant temp circuit and code P0138, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals
