Code
P2438
Generic
P — Powertrain
AIR System Air Flow/Pressure Sensor Circuit High Bank 2
Views:
UK: 13
EN: 21
RU: 15
AI status
Completed
Completed
100%
Causes
- Open or shorted wiring (short to 12V) on the bank 2 air flow/pressure sensor signal circuit
- Corroded, loose, or damaged connector at the sensor
- Failed air flow/pressure sensor (internally shorted or damaged)
- Blown or intermittent sensor power/ground (fuse, ground point, or wiring)
- Mechanical restriction or over-pressure in the secondary air system affecting the sensor
- PCM/ECM internal fault (rare)
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
- Possible secondary air injection system fault / reduced emission control (cold-start emissions may increase)
- Diagnostic trouble codes related to air injection or oxygen sensors may be present
- Possible rough idle or drivability complaints during cold start (if secondary air injection affected)
- Possible failed emissions test
What to check
- Read freeze-frame and stored data with a scan tool; note conditions when the code set (engine temp, RPM, load, ambient temp)
- Check for other related codes (secondary air, O2 sensors, MAF) that can provide context
- Visually inspect sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, pin push-out, or moisture
- Backprobe the sensor connector and check reference voltage, signal voltage, and ground with a multimeter
- Perform continuity and resistance checks on the signal, power and ground circuits to the PCM
- Wiggle tests while monitoring live data to check for intermittent wiring faults
Signal parameters
- Reference (sensor supply) voltage: typically ~5.0 V (verify vehicle-specific spec)
- Signal output typical range: ~0.5–4.5 V depending on design; high fault commonly seen >4.5–4.8 V
- Ground resistance: should be very low (
- If pulse-type sensor, expect a varying waveform when pump/air flow is active (use scope if available)
- No signal or a constant rail voltage on the signal wire indicates open/short condition
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a scan tool and record live data and freeze-frame. Confirm P2438 is current and note conditions.
- Visually inspect the bank 2 air flow/pressure sensor, connector, and wiring for obvious damage, corrosion, or contamination.
- With ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the sensor connector: verify reference voltage (≈5 V), sensor ground, and signal voltage. Compare to bank 1 if possible.
- If signal reads high at key ON/engine OFF, disconnect the sensor and recheck the signal line at the harness. If signal drops when sensor disconnected, suspect wiring/ECM; if signal still high, likely short to V+ in harness or PCM output stuck.
- Check continuity between the sensor ground and battery negative; repair poor grounds.
- Inspect and test for a short to battery voltage on the signal wire (measure voltage between signal wire and ground with sensor disconnected).
- If wiring and connector test good, bench-test or replace the sensor and clear codes. Re-test and monitor live data during operation.
- If new sensor does not correct the condition and wiring checks normal, suspect PCM fault and verify with manufacturer-specific diagnostics before replacement.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a complete verification drive cycle to ensure the code does not return.
Likely causes
- Failed or electrically shorted air flow/pressure sensor (bank 2)
- Short to battery voltage on the sensor signal wire or sensor supply circuit
- Poor ground or corroded connector at the sensor
- Wiring harness damage (pinched, chafed) near the sensor location
Fault status
Status
PCM detected an abnormally high voltage/signal on the Air Flow/Pressure Sensor circuit for Bank 2. The condition exceeded allowed limits and set DTC P2438; MIL may be illuminated.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-2.5 hours
Similar codes
Workshop Manuals
Available brands with manuals
2
AUDI 11
6-speed manual gearbox 0B1, front-wheel drive — Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 (1997) – 1.6L 4-cylinder (2‑valve) Engine Mechanical Components Service Manual (AEH, AKL, APF) – Edition 07.2002
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
AUDI A3 (2004) Workshop Manual — 2.0L FSI Turbo (4‑cyl, 4‑valve) Engine, Mechanics — Edition 03.2017
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A3 2004 — Electrical System (Workshop Manual, Edition 02.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet – 4.2 l V8 (5‑valve, timing chains) – Workshop Manual (Mechanics) – Edition 04.2007
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet — Auxiliary Heater Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2004)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A4 / A4 Cabriolet (1.8T 4‑cyl turbo) — Motronic Injection & Ignition System Service Manual (Edition 01.2015)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi A8 (2003) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 08.2014)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q4 e-tron (Type F4) - Self-study Programme SSP 685
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Q8 (2018) — Electrical System Workshop Manual (Edition 05.2019)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Audi Servicing Manual — 7‑Speed Dual Clutch Transmission 0CJ / 0CL / 0CK / 0DN / 0DP / 0HL (Edition 05.2018)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
LAND ROVER 3
Land Rover Defender 300Tdi — Workshop Manual (1996 model year)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Defender Workshop Manual Supplement & Body Repair Manual (1999 & 2002 MY)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Land Rover Range Rover — Electrical Library (LRL 0453ENG, 2002)
Workshop Manual199,00 UAH
Your experience will help others
+100 karma for a short comment :)
Was this AI description helpful?
Your feedback helps improve AI descriptions.
👍 Like
0
👎 Dislike
0
Send to email
