C0238 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0238 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code.

It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0238 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Cherry red hot catalytic converter
Poor acceleration
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Reduction in engine performance, especially at low RPM levels

Possible Causes :

A faulty oxygen sensor. This will set a code in itself, however, a faulty oxygen sensor does not automatically condemn the sensor. The code just means that the sensor signal was not within specifications. An air leak or any of the above will cause an erroneous signal. There is a multitude of O2 codes relating to O2 performance which gives a clue to the problematic area.
Some aftermarket accessories and performance modifications
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Repair Processes :

Look for missing ground strap or a rusty ground where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame. Check for damage to the wiring harness connector. It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C0238 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C0238.

Fortunately, C0238 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

C0238 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

C0238 Maserati 8cl Transmission Fluid Pressure Sensor/Switch B Circuit High
C0238 Holden Club Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
C0238 Peerless Sixteen Drivers Seat Belt Buckle Switch Circuit Short to Ground
C0238 Opel Kapitan Disable Signal Open Circuit
C0238 Toyota Gt1 Oil Change Reset Button Circuit Open
C0238 Mercury Mountaineer Iii Air Suspension Rear Inflator Solenoid Output Circuit Open
C0238 Ford 49 LF LAMP HIGH BEAM CIRCUIT Failure