P0438Catalyst Temperature Sensor Circuit High Bank 2 Sensor 1
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- Some engines – mainly diesels – measure the temperature at or in the catalyst with a thermistor in a voltage divider instead of only modelling it; most makers report exhaust temperature sensors under P0544 ff, P2031 ff or P2080 ff instead. Sensor 1 of bank 2 is the first catalyst temperature sensor on the side without cylinder 1. P0438 means the signal voltage is above its upper limit – typically the sensor or its wiring is open, or the signal is shorted to positive. No manufacturer document available to us uses this code; the description follows CARB, which requires input circuits to be checked for circuit faults and plausibility, and the comparable exhaust temperature sensors.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Usually no noticeable change (substitute value from the model)
- Diesel: filter regeneration distorted or blocked, possibly further codes such as P2459 or P0420
- Likely causes
- LikelySensor or wire open (broken by vibration or heat)
- LikelyConnector off or loose, ground wire open
- RareSignal wire shorted to positive
- RareEngine module
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €60 – €300
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.