Error Code P0164: What It Means & What To Do?

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If you notice a lean or risk condition in the engine, decreased fuel efficiency, black smoke from the taillight, and/or illuminated Check Engine Light on the dashboard, them there is a major possibility that you are dealing with the OBD Code P0164 with your vehicle.

Possible causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, faulty electrical connector at the oxygen sensor, faulty or shorted wiring in the oxygen sensor circuit, a blown fuse for the oxygen sensor (if applicable), low or excessive fuel pressure, a vacuum leak on the engine, excessive exhaust leaks, or a faulty PCM.

When an oxygen sensor for a particular engine bank delivers a voltage signal that is not within the accepted parameters, causing the PCM to store a trouble code and possibly illuminate the service engine soon light, it is typically a P0164 error code. Bank 2 typically denotes the engine bank of the engine block that does not contain the number 1 cylinder.

This code is seen when the Engine Control Module (ECM) tries to control the heater control circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 3 and finds high voltage present. The heater is an integral part of sensor function that is used to heat the oxygen sensor to operating temperature until the vehicle warms up. Oxygen sensors must be at operating temperature to provide accurate readings to the ECM for air fuel ratio control.

What causes the problem of O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage (B2 S3)?

• Wiring of Heated Oxygen Sensor is open or short
• Electrical connections to the Oxygen Sensor are faulty
• Faulty or damaged Oxygen Sensor
• Circuit fuse of the sensor is blown
• ECM/PCM fault or failure
• Fuel Delivery Systems and Exhaust Systems Leakages

1. Heated Oxygen Sensor - A faulty sensor will not function properly and not analyse the air to fuel ratio in the exhaust. Visit us today to replace damaged oxygen sensors.
2. Engine Control Module - OBD Error Code P0164 can also be due to faulty EVMs. Get the faulty electricals replaced immediately.
3. Powertrain Control Module - PCM can lead to wrong OBD code flashing and can make engine go into failsafe mode to avoid further damage. Replace PCM components now!
4. Diagnostic Tool - Use high grade diagnostic tools to detect the correct OBD error. Visit us today to grab amazing deals.
5. Exhaust System - A leaky or damaged exhaust immediately hampers the fuel delivery system and the economy of the car. Exhaust back-pressure is necessary for the engine to run smoothly. Replace damaged exhaust parts now.
6. Fuel Pump - A faulty/damaged pump affects the engine's air-fuel ratio, which can cause all sorts of performance problems. Thus, replace if found faulty.
7. Mass Air Flow Sensor - The faulty MAF sensor will not be able to check the air flow properly and thus result in inefficient fuel delivery system and engine performance. Thus, replace faulty sensor now!
8. Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor - Faulty emission sensor can cause excessive fuel consumption, lack of power and failed emission tests. Thus, replace faulty MAP sensors now!

• Rich/Lean engine-running condition
• Decrease in fuel economy due to increased fuel consumption
• Loss of engine power and acceleration
• Rough idling and throttle response
• White or black smoke from the exhaust tailpipe
• Hard starting and stalling in some cases
• CHECK ENGINE light indication on 

Error Code P0164 is a generic error code, which means that different manufacturers and vehicle models may have different specifications, diagnosis, and repairs for this error code.

• Unplug the sensor at check the heater circuit feed at the wiring connector
• Check the ground circuit for the continuity
• Measure the resistance of the heater circuit done for the sensor itself
• Measure the voltage and resistance of the wiring system

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P0164 can be a simple code to diagnose when all diagnostic steps are followed in the proper order and all tests are performed. A professional level scan tool that shows live sensor data will be required to properly diagnose any faults present.

• The diagnosis starts with a complete visual inspection of the Bank 2, Sensor 3 of the sensor, as well as its wiring and harness.
• Check for bare wires, especially those entering the sensor. These wires can be stained and worn out and cause shorts. It is important that all wires are away from the exhaust. Also, any damaged wires need to be replaced.
• The highest rate of failure for Code P0164 is of the oxygen sensor and it is quickest to check the resistance of the heater circuit first. Every manufacturer notifies the specified amount of resistance that each sensor should have. If the resistance measured falls out of the specified range, then the sensor is deemed to be faulty and is needed to be replaced.
• In the next step, the wiring for the sensor is checked and examined along with the harness for any signs of damage. Most probable cause of damage is usually debris on the road that gets under the car and damages the wiring.
• Other things that can damage the wiring is from rodents or harnesses being incorrectly routed during other repairs, causing the wires to rub through and get short out.
• Measure the resistance of the wiring running from the powertrain control module to the sensor and if the resistance is more than the limit, there is probably a problem with the circuit. At this point, the simplest solution is to replace the wire from end to end.
• After checking all of the above the final inspection come the point of checking the powertrain control module for faults and reprogram, if needed.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing OBD Code P0164

• Replacing the O2 Sensor without doing proper diagnosis and check for faults in other components
• It is also possible to overlook that the engine may be running too rich which is causing the exhaust gas mixture to be too rich causing the oxygen sensor to read high voltage
• Also check for faulty wiring and harness in association to the sensor and circuits