The Dodge Code P0038 is a Powertrain Control Module (PCM) code associated with the O2-SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CIRCUIT HIGH. This code is related to the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) element inside the O2 Sensor to attain the fastest possible temperature rise and to control the steady-state temperature of the O2 Sensor. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) contains the Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) current to the O2 Sensors heater element; however, if the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE or O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE, the PCM will not be able to achieve the desired steady state temperature target.
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Causes and Solutions of the Dodge Code P0038
| Causes | Solutions |
| O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE | Check the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT for any open/high-resistance |
| O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT SHORTED TO VOLTAGE | Check the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT for any shorts to voltage |
| O2 SENSOR 1/2 | Replace the O2 SENSOR 1/2 |
| POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) | Replace the POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) |
Checking the O2 Sensors Heater Control Circuit
The Dodge Code P0038 is caused by the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE or O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT OPEN/HIGH RESISTANCE. To solve this issue, it is necessary to check the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT and O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT for any open/high resistance.
Testing the O2 Sensors Heater Control Circuit
Testing the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT for any shorts to voltage is also important. This can be done using an ohmmeter and testing for any shorts to voltage. If any short circuits to voltage are found, they should be repaired or replaced.
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Replacing the O2 Sensor or PCM
If the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT and O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT are functioning normally, then it may be necessary to replace the O2 SENSOR 1/2 or the POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). Replacing the O2 SENSOR 1/2 or POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) should solve the Dodge Code P0038.
Conclusion: Resolve the Dodge Code P0038
In conclusion, the Dodge Code P0038 is related to the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT and O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT. The best way to solve the issue is to check for any open/high resistance in the O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT and O2 SENSOR 1/2 HEATER GROUND CIRCUIT. If any short circuits to voltage are found, they should be repaired or replaced. If the circuits are functioning properly, replacing the O2 SENSOR 1/2 or the POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) may be necessary to resolve the Dodge Code P0038.
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