Fault code lookup

PowertrainP0438

Caution

Severity: Caution - get it checked when you can

Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1)

23 brands affected · Generic SAE J2012 description.

Key terms: Catalytic converter: cleans the exhaust gases · EGR: exhaust gas recirculation, which cuts harmful gases · EVAP: the system that traps fuel vapour · Oxygen sensor: measures oxygen in the exhaust gas · Bank 2: the side of the engine containing cylinder 2 · SAE J2012: the standard generic code list · Powertrain: engine, transmission and emissions

1What it means in plain English

This range covers emissions control (EGR, EVAP, oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter), but some manufacturers also use P04 codes for oil-pressure, brake-fluid and coolant-level warnings.

2Common causes

  1. Clogged or faulty EGR valve
  2. EVAP system leak (hoses, canister, fuel cap)
  3. Faulty oxygen sensor
  4. Ageing catalytic converter
  5. Low oil, brake fluid or coolant (on some models)
  6. Wiring or connector fault

3Can I drive?

Caution · drive with care

Do not assume this code is safe to drive. Check the description: if it names oil pressure, brake fluid, coolant, or a brake fault, stop safely and have it diagnosed before driving. Emissions-only codes (EGR, EVAP, catalyst) should still be checked before an emissions or roadworthiness inspection.

This page gives general information. It is not professional advice. For a definite diagnosis and a repair quote, ask a qualified mechanic to inspect the car.

4Brand data 23

BrandCodeDescriptionSystem
Ashok Leyland CVP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
BAIC MotorP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
BMWP0438Catalyst Temp. Sendsor High Input BrandPowertrain
BYDP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
CheryP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
DaewooP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
DFFSP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
DFFXP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
DFXKP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
EOBDP0438Litar sensor suhu pemangkin tinggi bank 2 sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
GeelyP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
GMP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
Great WallP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
HafeiP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
HyundaiP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
IsuzuP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
Land RoverP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
MaseratiP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
PeugeotP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High (Bank 2 Sensor 1) SAEPowertrain
SaabP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
MG (SAIC)P0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1 BrandPowertrain
TataP0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor High Bank 2 BrandPowertrain
ToyotaP0438Catalyst temperature sensor circuit high bank 2 sensor 1 BrandPowertrain

Legend: SAE is the generic J2012 description; Brand is text taken from that manufacturer’s data. Manufacturer rows keep the wording and language of the source data, and non-English text is tagged so screen readers pronounce it correctly.

5Extended variant codes 1

These 7-character codes are manufacturer-specific variants of P0438 and may be reported by some scan tools.

BrandCodeDescriptionSystem
SsangYongP043800Rear exhaust gas temperature sensor - high signal BrandPowertrain

6Related codes

Browse Pxxx codes or P043xx codes.

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