P0D38 code meaning
Battery Charger A Input Current Sensor Circuit
What P0D38 means
P0D38 is the general circuit code for the sensor that measures the AC current entering battery charger A, the on-board charger. It sets when the signal is missing or electrically invalid; range, low, high and intermittent faults have their own codes P0D39-P0D3C. No manufacturer documents P0D38 with set conditions in a public source. Mitsubishi's checks on the sibling codes show the scale: on the 2022 Outlander PHEV a sensor output below 0.344 V or above 4.658 V, about 54 A either way, for 0.5 s stops charging and leads to replacing the combined charger and DC/DC unit. Delta Electronics describes a self-test of a charger's current detection before power flows. Unlike P0D29 and P0D2A, which judge the current itself, P0D38 concerns the measurement. Charging is refused or aborted; driving stays possible.
P0D38 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0D38
- AC charging does not start or stops
- Charging fault indication on the dashboard or charge port
Common causes of P0D38
- Most likelyCurrent sensing inside the on-board charger failed
- PossibleOpen or shorted sensor wiring or connector
- Less likelyCharger software or supply voltage fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Battery charger a input current sensorWiring harnessOn board charger
What each part of P0D38 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0D38 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0D38
What does P0D38 mean?
P0D38 means "Battery Charger A Input Current Sensor Circuit". P0D38 is the general circuit code for the sensor that measures the AC current entering battery charger A, the on-board charger. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0D38?
P0D38 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will P0D38 fail an emissions test?
P0D38 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is P0D38 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0D38 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.