OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0138 — O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
P0138 means the bank 1 sensor 2 (downstream) oxygen sensor voltage stayed too high. This usually points to a short to voltage, a contaminated sensor, or a rich condition passing through the catalytic converter.
Severity 2/5
Less common on commercial trucks
Service soon
Severity
Service soon
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)
Code
P0138
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Emissions
Truck-relevant
Less common
What this means for truckers
Service this week. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually leads to a more expensive fix downstream.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P0138 on the Emissions system is most often failed or contaminated o2 sensor — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Usually only a check engine light, sometimes with a fuel smell or poor fuel economy if the engine is running rich.
Common causes
- CommonFailed or contaminated O2 sensor ($120–$350)
- OccasionalSignal wire shorted to heater power ($80–$350)
- OccasionalReal rich condition ($150–$900)
How to fix
Check fuel trims and upstream sensor operation
When to use: First step to rule out a rich condition
Check the signal wire for a short to voltage
When to use: When the voltage is above about 1V
Replace the downstream O2 sensor
When to use: When fueling and wiring are good
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P0100 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit
- → P0101 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance
- → P0102 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input
- → P0103 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input
- → P0104 — Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Intermittent
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0138?
P0138 is severity 2 — service this week. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually compounds the problem. Most common cause for this code is a worn sensor or minor performance fault that won't strand you today but will get more expensive the longer you wait.
How much does it cost to fix P0138 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $80–$900 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Failed or contaminated O2 sensor — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P0138 fail a DOT inspection?
Yes — P0138 is an emissions-related code, and DOT inspectors check emissions compliance. An active emissions code with a check engine light can result in an out-of-service violation under FMCSA Part 393. The truck typically can't be moved until the code is cleared. Repeated emissions violations escalate to CSA scores.
What's the difference between P0138 and related codes?
P0138 is closely related to: P0100 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit), P0101 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Range/Performance), P0102 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input), P0103 (Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input). These codes share the same subsystem (emissions) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P0138 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P0138 from coming back after a repair?
For P0138 (O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (Bank 1 Sensor 2)), prevention centers on the emissions system. Keep up with PM on the EGR system — clean the valve at 200K miles. Use OEM-spec air filters. Don't ignore minor codes; they often escalate into bigger emissions failures.