2001 Dodge Ram P0138 code

Tiny
JFOREST1
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 184,000 MILES
I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 4 X4 1500 with a 5.2 litre (318) engine. The engine light came on and I found the code two ways. I used a OBD reader and confirmed it by doing the ignition key sequence procedure which will show the code in the odometer display. I have replaced the O2 sensor as indicated by the P0138 code and reset the parameters as instructed (engine at running temperature, clear old reference settings and let it self adjust). The engine light went off and then came back on and keeps doing so, on an off. What could be the matter? Thanks. I will consider a donation isf my problem is solved and possibly if good ideas are put forward.
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 9:33 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Is the same code coming back or is it a new one?
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Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 10:22 PM
Tiny
JFOREST1
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Yes, the code that reappears is the same P0138 code that was showing up before. If you have any ideas, please let me know. I could use a digital voltmeter and follow the instructions to monitor the voltages to see if the sensor is working properly. It's not a hard job but it isn't the easiest either but if I have to, I might try that. As mentioned before, I have replaced the sensor already. Is there a chance the problem could be with a version of PCM software. I have to see if I can find all my paperwork but a while back, I had an upgrade done to the PCM at a dealership. I had the P0138 code but didn't rush on it since it was just an oxygen sensor and not something like faulty brakes (sensor was not a real safety hazard). I want to find out if the timing is about the same (when the code showed up and when I had the upgrade). Let me know what you think. Thanks again.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 7:20 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
If you replaced the part and it does the same thing, chances are that isn't the problem. However, you are making me question the PCM and having it flashed. I don't think that is causing the problem, but.

Have you checked the wiring to the O2 sensor. Often times it gets damaged, melted. And causes issues such as this.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 10:44 AM
Tiny
JFOREST1
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I could check the wiring but that's not an easy job either but since I'm going to possibly be going up there (you can't see anything up there), I'll do the digital multimeter thing to check to make sure I didn't get a bad sensor or something stupid like that. I'll check into it and get back to you no matter what I find. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (known as the Great White North but not that bad) and the problem seems to have materialized after I was shuttling medical staff during one heck of a storm we had. I took a quick look the first time to make sure no loose wires were hanging around but the code comes and goes so it may be a bad connection that makes and breaks now and then so I might have to move some assemblies out of the way to get a good look because the touchy feely method might not be good enough. I'll get back to you wheteher I find or don't find anything. Later.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 2:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Let me know. If possible, check continunity. There could be a broken wire inside the insulation.
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Thursday, October 21st, 2010 AT 4:42 PM

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