B0164 code meaning
Air Bag In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit
What B0164 means
B0164 is not listed in any publicly available J2012 table. General Motors does use the number: bulletin PIP5094 from 2013 lists it as a service information keyword, but no public GM text gives its wording. The airbag meaning in the title is not documented by any carmaker. GM's neighbouring code B0163 is the passenger compartment sensor of the HVAC system, which makes a climate control meaning more likely than an airbag one. Temperature sensing for airbags does exist: Delphi's US7000946B2 adjusts restraint output to the measured inflator temperature, using the control chip's own die temperature as a guide, and Bosch's US5697639A puts a temperature sensor inside the airbag module. Treat any B0164 by the make's own definition.
B0164 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0164
- Airbag or climate warning, depending on which module stored the code
- Climate control may run on a substitute cabin temperature
- Safety note: if the airbag module is involved, work only with the battery disconnected and the wait time observed
Common causes of B0164
- PossibleTemperature sensor or its wiring open or shorted
- PossibleGM: fault in the climate control sensor group around B0163 rather than the airbag
- Less likelyInternal temperature measurement of the control module faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
In vehicle temperature sensorSRS control module
What each part of B0164 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 64 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0164 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 B0164
What does B0164 mean?
B0164 means "Air Bag In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit". B0164 is not listed in any publicly available J2012 table. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0164?
B0164 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0164 fail an emissions test?
B0164 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 B0164 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0164 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.