Getting P0038, and P0038P

[norm123]

Have a 07 PT Cruiser Touring, 2.4L non-turbo, with 66k miles.

I got the codes P0038 and P0038 from an OBD2 reader after the car overheated twice, talking about Heated Bank 1, 2 H02S.

Here's what happened: After it did overheat twice, the car was still able to turn on and drive home (about 3 mile drive), although it took nearly a few minutes of cranking to do so. Now it cranks, but will not start at all, doing it once before it died in less than a second (there's enough gas in the car). I would like a diagram of what the OBD2 codes are talking about, and what could be the primary issue here, and likely fix.

[ptcruisersteve]

P0038 - Heater Control Circuit High Bank 1 Sensor 2


Possible causes
Faulty Heated Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2
Fuse
Wire harness is open or shorted
Poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

The P0038 is set when the ECM detects an excessively high voltage through the heated oxygen sensor heater circuit

[ptcruisersteve]

I am concerned that you are asking about the P0038 code and not about what is making the engine overheat. Have you found out why its overheating?

[norm123]

Yes I know why - there was a leak in the radiator, so I pretty much had to, on a daily basis, keep putting in water. I know what the codes mean, but I need to know where to find the O2 sensors it mentions, and how to get the car to stop cranking and to actually start.

[norm123]

I just pulled my camshaft position sensor randomly, and found that it is filled with oil. I've changed it before from a different OBD2 code, so I'm not sure what happened here. Could this be the reason it won't start?

[ptcruisersteve]

Sensor 2 is post-catalyst. Its the downstream sensor by the CAT. Its shown on the image below.

http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/forum/...s-location.jpg

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by norm123

I just pulled my camshaft position sensor randomly, and found that it is filled with oil. I've changed it before from a different OBD2 code, so I'm not sure what happened here. Could this be the reason it won't start?

I would suggest putting the camshaft position sensor back on and make sure its tight and the wires are connected to it. Then I would replace the downstream oxygen sensor. Then try starting it. Let me know what you find out.

[norm123]

While I'm waiting for the O2 sensor to arrive, I could use some guidance for other things that I can't find:

-I need a fuse box diagram. Which one corroborates to the fuel pump relay?
-Coolant sensor. How to replace it? I see it under the radiator cap area, but no idea how to remove it.
-Tightened up everything like you suggested, but it still won't turn over. Can't be the fuel pump, at least I'm sure - heard it whirring when I turned the key to ON.
-Where are the fuel lines? I'm looking for a location to try out some starter fluid spray, see if the fuel pressure is there or not.

[ptcruisersteve]

I would suggest that you get a Haynes Repair Manual from an auto parts store or the Factory Repair Manual from the dealer (more step by step details) for your PT Cruiser. You are asking some questions that can be answered quickly with an repair manual.

I would suggest replacing only one component at a time and then see if it will start. If it does not start I would recommend that you post what happens after you replace each component the first component being the oxygen sensor.

If you start replacing more than one component at a time then you will make it worse trying to diagnosis the original problem and you may create more problems.

[NitroPT]

Steve you are so correct about the original problem. This thread is perfect example of bad diagnostic evaluation.

The chances of both H02 failing at the same time ....not real common if the CAT is still functioning properly.
Yet the OP went right for replacement thoughts and than on to contemplating replacing even more parts.

I can see that the op is at least mechanically inclined but not to up on what to do with an unconfirmed DTC's?

Lets just buy a bunch on new parts and have a parts change BBQ!



Good entertainment here!