P0164 is an OBD-II trouble code indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) has detected a higher-than-expected voltage in the oxygen sensor circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 3.
P0164 can appear on gasoline vehicles and on some modern diesel engines equipped with multiple oxygen sensors. However, not every vehicle or diesel engine uses a Bank 2 Sensor 3 configuration, so the exact sensor location and function depend on the engine and emissions system.
P0164 Bank 2 Sensor 3 Location
On vehicles equipped with a Bank 2 Sensor 3, the sensor is generally located farther downstream in the exhaust system than Sensor 2. The exact location depends on the engine and exhaust configuration.
Bank 2
Usually refers to the cylinder bank opposite the bank containing cylinder number 1 on engines with two cylinder banks.
Sensor 3
Identifies the third oxygen sensor position used by the particular vehicle's exhaust configuration.
Downstream Position
When Sensor 3 is used, it is generally positioned farther downstream than Sensor 2.
Important: Do not assume that every vehicle has Bank 2 Sensor 3. Always confirm the sensor position using the vehicle-specific service information.
P0164 Location by Manufacturer
The physical location of Bank 2 Sensor 3 varies between engines and manufacturers. Manufacturer-specific searches such as P0164 Toyota, P0164 Nissan, and P0164 Chevy Silverado should be treated as vehicle-specific applications rather than one universal sensor location.
Chevrolet / GMC
On applicable engines, verify the Bank 2 Sensor 3 position and inspect its signal wiring, connector, and circuit for an abnormally high voltage condition.
Chevy Silverado
The exact sensor position depends on the engine and emissions configuration. Confirm the correct Bank 2 Sensor 3 using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram before testing.
Toyota / Lexus
Oxygen sensor numbering differs between engine configurations. Verify the exact sensor designation and connector before replacing the sensor.
Nissan / Infiniti
On applicable multi-sensor exhaust systems, inspect the Bank 2 Sensor 3 circuit and wiring, especially near areas exposed to exhaust heat.
Jeep / RAM
Where Sensor 3 is used, inspect the downstream oxygen sensor wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, moisture, or loose terminals.
Ford
Sensor numbering depends on the engine and exhaust configuration. Confirm the exact Bank 2 Sensor 3 circuit before diagnosis.
Diesel Engines
P0164 can occur on some modern diesel engines equipped with multiple oxygen sensors. However, not every diesel engine uses Bank 2 Sensor 3, so the exact sensor location must be confirmed for the specific engine.
Symptoms of P0164
Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light is commonly illuminated when P0164 is stored.
Increased Emissions
A high oxygen sensor signal can affect emissions monitoring and the engine control strategy.
Poor Fuel Economy
Fuel economy may decrease depending on the vehicle's control strategy and the underlying cause.
Engine Performance Problems
Some vehicles may experience hesitation, rough running, or reduced performance, particularly when additional faults are present.
Failed Emissions Test
A stored P0164 can cause an emissions inspection failure where OBD-II faults are checked.
Common Causes of P0164
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The Bank 2 Sensor 3 may have an internal electrical failure causing an excessively high signal.
Short to Voltage
A signal wire contacting a power source can raise the sensor circuit voltage above the expected range.
Damaged Wiring
Melted, incorrectly repaired, shorted, or damaged wiring can produce a high-voltage signal.
Connector Problem
Corrosion, damaged terminals, moisture, or incorrect connections can interfere with the sensor circuit.
Exhaust or Engine Problem
An abnormal engine or exhaust condition can influence oxygen sensor readings and should be considered during diagnosis.
Incorrect Sensor
An incompatible or incorrectly installed oxygen sensor can cause abnormal circuit readings.
Estimated Repair Cost for P0164
O2 Sensor Replacement
$100–$350 approximately, depending on the vehicle, sensor, and labor.
Wiring Repair
$50–$300 approximately depending on the location and extent of damage.
Connector Repair
$50–$200+ depending on the connector and labor required.
Diagnostic Labor
$50–$150+ depending on the vehicle and diagnostic time.
These are general estimates only. Actual repair costs vary by vehicle, parts, labor rate, and the cause of P0164.
How to Fix P0164
The correct repair depends on why the Bank 2 Sensor 3 circuit is producing a high voltage signal. The sensor should not be replaced before the circuit is tested.
- Scan for additional stored and pending trouble codes.
- Confirm that the vehicle uses a Bank 2 Sensor 3 configuration.
- Verify the exact sensor location using the vehicle-specific wiring diagram.
- Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion, moisture, or damaged terminals.
- Inspect the signal wire for a short to voltage.
- Check the sensor power, ground, and signal circuits according to manufacturer specifications.
- Inspect the wiring near the exhaust for melted or damaged insulation.
- Check the sensor signal using appropriate scan-tool live data or electrical testing.
- Inspect for related engine or exhaust problems.
- Replace the oxygen sensor only if testing confirms an internal sensor failure.
- Clear the code and verify the repair after a suitable drive cycle.
Common Repair Mistakes
Replacing the Sensor Immediately
P0164 does not automatically mean that the oxygen sensor itself is defective.
Ignoring a Short to Voltage
A damaged signal wire contacting a power circuit can create the same high-voltage condition.
Testing the Wrong Sensor
Confirm Bank 2 Sensor 3 before testing because sensor numbering varies between vehicles.
Ignoring Exhaust Heat
Inspect wiring close to the exhaust for melted insulation, exposed conductors, and previous repairs.
Ignoring Additional Codes
Other oxygen sensor, fuel, or engine codes may provide important clues about the root cause.
Using an Incorrect Sensor
Verify the replacement sensor's specifications, connector, and compatibility with the vehicle.
Can You Drive With P0164?
If the vehicle is running normally and there are no severe drivability symptoms, it can usually be driven for a short period with P0164. However, the problem should be diagnosed promptly because the fault can affect emissions monitoring and may indicate an electrical problem.
If the Check Engine Light is flashing, the engine is severely misfiring, or the vehicle has major performance problems, further diagnosis should be performed before continuing to drive.
Related OBD-II Codes
P0162
Bank 2 Sensor 3 Circuit Malfunction. Indicates a general circuit malfunction involving the same sensor.
P0163
Bank 2 Sensor 3 Low Voltage. Indicates that the sensor circuit voltage is lower than expected.
P0165
Bank 2 Sensor 3 Slow Response. Indicates that the sensor response is slower than expected.
P0166
Bank 2 Sensor 3 No Activity Detected. Indicates insufficient activity from the specified oxygen sensor.
P0167
Bank 2 Sensor 3 Heater Circuit Malfunction. Indicates a problem with the heater circuit of the specified sensor.
Recommended Diagnostic Tools
OBD-II Scan Tool
Used to read P0164, additional codes, freeze-frame data, and oxygen sensor live data.
Digital Multimeter
Used to check voltage, ground, continuity, and possible shorts in the oxygen sensor circuit.
Vehicle Wiring Diagram
Helps identify the correct signal, power, ground, and ECM connections for Bank 2 Sensor 3.
O2 Sensor Socket
Useful for removing and installing the sensor after testing confirms that replacement is necessary.
P0164 FAQ
What does code P0164 mean?
P0164 means the ECM has detected a high voltage condition in the oxygen sensor circuit for Bank 2 Sensor 3.
Where is Bank 2 Sensor 3 located?
On vehicles that use Sensor 3, it is generally located farther downstream in the exhaust system than Sensor 2. The exact location varies by vehicle and engine.
Does every vehicle have Bank 2 Sensor 3?
No. Sensor 3 is application-dependent. Many vehicles use only Sensor 1 and Sensor 2 on a bank.
Can P0164 occur on a diesel engine?
Yes. Some modern diesel engines use multiple oxygen sensors and can set P0164. However, the vehicle must have a Bank 2 Sensor 3 configuration for this code designation to apply.
What causes P0164?
Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a short to voltage, damaged wiring, connector problems, or an abnormal engine or exhaust condition.
How do I fix P0164?
Confirm the correct sensor, inspect the wiring and connector, check for a short to voltage, verify the sensor signal, and replace the sensor only when testing confirms an internal failure.
Is P0164 caused by a bad O2 sensor?
It can be, but the wiring and electrical circuit should be tested first because a short to voltage can produce the same high-voltage condition.
Can P0164 cause poor fuel economy?
It can affect fuel economy on some vehicles, but the effect depends on the vehicle's engine control strategy and the underlying problem.
Can I drive with P0164?
A short drive is usually possible if the vehicle operates normally, but the fault should be diagnosed and repaired promptly.
Why does P0164 return after replacing the O2 sensor?
If P0164 returns after sensor replacement, inspect the signal wiring for a short to voltage, check the connector and related circuits, and investigate other engine or exhaust problems before replacing another sensor.
Final Result
P0164 indicates a high-voltage condition in the Bank 2 Sensor 3 oxygen sensor circuit on applicable vehicles. The correct diagnosis is to first confirm the sensor location, then inspect the wiring and connector, check for a short to voltage, verify the sensor signal, and replace the sensor only when testing confirms that it has failed.