Body, generic

B0164 Air Bag In-Vehicle Temperature Sensor Circuit

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

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.

Likely causes

Temperature sensor or its wiring open or shorted
GM: fault in the climate control sensor group around B0163 rather than the airbag
Internal temperature measurement of the control module faulty

Symptoms

  • 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

Repair estimate

DifficultyShop_onlyWorkshop job
Parts and labour€50–400
Time0.5–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

in vehicle temperature sensorsrs control module

Related codes

B0160B0250

References: static.nhtsa.gov, patents.google.com, patents.google.com, saabwisonline.com.