P2C38 Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor B Circuit
What does P2C38 mean?
P2C38 — Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor B Circuit. This is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code a scanner retrieves when your vehicle's computer detects cylinder head temperature sensor b circuit. The level of risk depends on how the vehicle is currently running and how long you've been driving with the light on.
Common causes of P2C38
- Faulty or contaminated sensor in the fuel/air metering circuit
- Damaged or shorted wiring or connector for the affected circuit
- Vacuum leak or intake system restriction
- Failing fuel pump, injector, or fuel pressure regulator
How to fix P2C38
These are general steps for this system. The exact cause depends on your vehicle — confirm with live scan data before replacing parts.
- Read freeze frame data and related codes with an OBD-II scanner
- Inspect the affected sensor wiring and connector for damage
- Compare live sensor readings (fuel trim, airflow, temperatures) to manufacturer specs
- Smoke test the intake system if lean or vacuum conditions are suspected
- Replace the failed component after confirming it with live data