P3038 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P3038 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain 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 P3038 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Fuel pressure too high
Diminished fuel efficiency
Rich or lean exhaust
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected

Possible Causes :

Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly
The Mass Airflow sensor will also cause this problem. Mass Airflow circuit malfunction.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Repair Processes :

Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender. You might continue by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic connector and retrieving all stored codes and freeze frame data.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P3038 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 P3038.

Fortunately, P3038 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.

P3038 Trouble Code For Specific Cars

P3038 Riley Mph HPU (Hydraulic Pump Unit) Pressurisation Failure
P3038 Citroen 12 Fan Secondary High With Fan(s) Off
P3038 Alvis 4.3 Litre Air Bag Safing Sensor Output Circuit Short To Battery
P3038 Maserati Spyder Transmission Mechanical Failure - First And Reverse
P3038 Dodge Conquest Ignition Coil D Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P3038 Caparo T1 Door Ajar Circuit Short To Ground
P3038 Mitsubishi Rpm Aux Heater Flame Sensor Circuit Open