For 1990-2009 cars

### Circuit Description

The DTC P0038 Heater Control Circuit High Voltage Sensor 2 diagnostic monitors the HO2S 2 heater circuit current. The heater is powered through the ignition switch and is grounded through the PCM heater control. The PCM commands the heater ON by grounding the heater control circuit, which is switched by a solid state device called a driver. The HO2S 2 sensor must be at operating temperature in order to accurately measure the performance of the Three-Way Converter (TWC). The heater allows the HO2S 2 to reach operating temperature quickly.

### Conditions for Running the DTC

• | Engine running.

• | Intake air temperature (IAT) greater than -8°C (18°F).

• | Engine coolant temperature (ECT) between -8°C and +110°C (18-230°F).

• | Barometric pressure (BARO) greater than 75 kPa.

• | Fuel level greater than 25 percent.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

• | The heater current is greater than 4.90 amps when the PCM commands the HO2S 2 heater ON.

• | The voltage potential between the HO2S 2 heater ignition positive and control circuits is less than 8.72 volts when the PCM commands the heater ON.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The powertrain control module (PCM) illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 2 consecutive ignition cycles with the fault active.

• | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information is stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The PCM turns the MIL OFF after 3 consecutive trips without a fault.

• | The PCM clears the history DTC after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.

• | You perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

### Diagnostic Aids

If a DTC P0038 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the conditions outlined in the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) section can verify whether the fault is present. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater System Set .

An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a problem in the HO2S 2 electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and the components for an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .

If a DTC P0038 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions when the DTC was first set.

### Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.

1. The Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

2. Clearing the DTCs by removing the DOME fuse also clears the PCM long term memory. Using the scan tool to clear DTCs leaves the long term memory active. DTC emitting diagnostics may not run to completion as expected unless the long term memory is cleared. Removal of the DOME fuse also clears the time display of the radio. The DTC P0038 diagnostic can be monitored on the scan tool under the Not Ran Since Code Cleared selection in the DTC Information menu. If a DTC P0038 appears in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the DTC P0038 diagnostic has not yet run. When the DTC P0038 does not appear in the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list, the DTC P0038 diagnostic has run. If the MIL is NOT illuminated, and there is no Pending DTC Status in DTC Information, the DTC P0038 diagnostic has passed. The DTCs MUST be cleared in order to view the Current Status of the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list. DO NOT forget that the Not Ran Since Code Cleared list only indicates that the test has run, not whether the test passed of failed. The DTC Information screen must be checked for Current or Pending status, in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls
2 |

1. Measure the resistance of the heater element of the HO2S 2.
2. Connect a DMM between terminal 3 and terminal 4, on the sensor side, of the HO2S connector.

Is the HO2S 2 heater resistance within the specified range?

11.7-14.3 ohms at 20°C (68°F)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 5

3 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Disconnect the HO2S 2 and the PCM.
3. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF.
4. Test the heater control circuit between the HO2S 2 and the PCM for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Repair as necessary.

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4 |

1. Turn ON the ignition, leaving the engine OFF.
2. Perform the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.
3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions as specified.

Does this DTC set?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5 | Replace the HO2S 2. Refer to Heated Oxygen Sensor 2 Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 7 | --
6 | Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 7 | --
7 |

1. Turn OFF the ignition.
2. Remove the DOME fuse for 30 seconds.
3. Install the DOME fuse.
4. Reset the radio clock time. Refer to Radio/Audio System Description and Operation in Entertainment.
5. Start the engine.
6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text or until the DTC P0038 diagnostic test has run.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 2

8 | With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List | System OK