P0164 code meaning
O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 3
Powertrain system Generic code P01xx codes Check engine light
What P0164 means
Sensor 3 on bank 2 is a switching oxygen sensor behind a second converter or converter brick. It is rare – documented for Jaguar Land Rover's supercharged V6 and V8 (2013–2016), where it is the 'post-cat' sensor of the second bank, and for Ford systems that monitor part of the converter volume. P0164 means the signal is above about 1.05–1.15 V. A switching sensor can produce at most about 1 V, so anything higher is electrical: a short to voltage or to the heater wire, or – on GM's bias logic – an open ground. Ford's over-voltage test (above 1.1 V for 10 s) explicitly covers downstream sensors 2 and 3. Jaguar Land Rover assigns the code to that sensor and names software (fixed by reconfiguring the engine module) and water-induced thermal shock as causes; no thresholds are published for sensor 3, so the logic follows the sensor 2 checks. When it fails, the downstream evaluation of that converter is suspended; there is no limp mode.
P0164 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0164
- Check engine light on (usually after two drive cycles)
- Catalyst readiness incomplete
- Usually no noticeable change in driving
Common causes of P0164
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to voltage or to the heater wire
- PossibleSensor faulty internally (heater-to-signal short)
- Less likelySensor ground open (GM logic)
- Less likelyEngine module software (Jaguar Land Rover)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Oxygen sensor bank2 sensor3Oxygen sensor wiringCatalytic converter
What each part of P0164 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 64 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0164 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 P0164
What does P0164 mean?
P0164 means "O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 2 Sensor 3". Sensor 3 on bank 2 is a switching oxygen sensor behind a second converter or converter brick. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0164?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0164 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0164 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0164 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0164 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.