P0164: Bank 2 sensor 3 oxygen sensor signal is higher than the computer expects
O2 sensor circuit high voltage (bank 2, sensor 3)
Severity: Monitor
The sources list a lit check engine light and, at most, poor economy or hard starting, with no safety warning, so it is usually a check-soon item.
P0164 in short
P0164 means the computer sees a voltage that is too high from the bank 2, sensor 3 oxygen sensor circuit. A failed sensor is the most common cause, followed by a wiring short to voltage or damaged connectors. Usually you notice only the check engine light, so it is generally safe to drive while you arrange a check.
Oxygen sensors report how much oxygen is in the exhaust, and the computer checks that each signal stays within a normal voltage range. If the bank 2, sensor 3 signal sits above that range, it sets P0164 and lights the check engine light.
TroubleCodes.net says oxygen sensors watch emissions rather than running the engine, so most drivers notice nothing except the light unless a fuel or combustion problem is also present. Bank 2 is the side of the engine that does not hold cylinder 1; where sensor 3 sits varies by vehicle, so check service information.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Failed oxygen sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net names the sensor itself as the most common cause, noting that sensors typically last under 5 years.
- What would change this
- Rises if the circuit tests normal and the live signal is stuck high. Falls if wiring or connector faults are found.
Cause 2: Wiring short to voltage, or damaged harness or connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a short to positive voltage and harness or connector damage from road debris as causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the signal wire reads battery voltage with the sensor unplugged or the harness is chafed. Falls if the wiring tests clean.
Cause 3: Water or corrosion in the circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists water intrusion and corrosion in the circuit.
- What would change this
- Rises if the connector is wet or green with corrosion. Falls if pins are clean and dry.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data with a scan tool and note any other fuel or sensor codes.
IfThis is the only code and the car drives normally
It meansMove on to checking the circuit.
Step 2: Inspect the fuses, wiring, connector and sensor for damage and look for an exhaust leak near the sensor. Compare the live oxygen sensor data on a scan tool with the other oxygen sensors.
Warning:The exhaust gets very hot and the sensor sits close to it; let the system cool and leave circuit testing to a shop.
IfThe signal is stuck high and the wiring tests normal
It meansThe sensor is the likely fault.
IfThe wiring or connector is damaged or shows a short
It meansRepair the wiring or connector.
Points to: Wiring short to voltage, or damaged harness or connector
Symptoms
- Check engine light on, often with no change in how the car drives
How to fix
Step 1: Look over any visible wiring and the connector at the sensor for damage once the exhaust is fully cool.
Step 2: Tell the shop whether other oxygen sensor codes are stored.
On your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0164 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0164 yet.
Sources and review
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
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