C0238 Volkswagen Touran Diagnostic Trouble Code

C0238 Volkswagen Touran code definition:
C0238 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Volkswagen Touran.

C0238 Volkswagen Touran is defined as Knock Sensor Circuit Range Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor). This refers to camshaft timing, which in this case is over-retarded. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C0238 Volkswagen Touran 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

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

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 Volkswagen Touran 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 Volkswagen Touran.

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