AutoCodes – Toyota – U0164 Toyota

U0164 Toyota Code - Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU

Quick Answer

The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a standard bus system in vehicles that enables the connection of automotive devices without the need for a host computer. Common causes include Faulty Controller Area Network (CAN) Communication System, Faulty Air Conditioner ECU, Air Conditioner ECU harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: U0164 Toyota indicates Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Controller Area Network (CAN) Communication System, Faulty Air Conditioner ECU, Air Conditioner ECU harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 4,196

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 27, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code U0164 Toyota Description

The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a standard bus system in vehicles that enables the connection of automotive devices without the need for a host computer. The exchange of operating information and commands among devices is facilitated by pre-programmed information about the required message exchange on the serial data circuits. Communication is carried out using two dedicated wires, known as CAN high and CAN low, with both lines carrying 2.5V when the CAN bus is in idle mode. During the transmission of data bits, the CAN high line increases to 3.75V while the CAN low drops to 1.25V, creating a 2.5V differential between the lines. Since communication relies on a voltage differential between the two bus lines, the CAN bus is NOT sensitive to inductive spikes, electrical fields, or other noise. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) sets when a periodic message from the Air Conditioner ECU has not been received.

OBDII Code U0164 Toyota - Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU - AutoCodes.com — U0164 Toyota Code - Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC U0164 Toyota?

Faulty Controller Area Network (CAN) Communication System
Faulty Air Conditioner ECU
Air Conditioner ECU harness is open or shorted
Air Conditioner ECU circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC U0164 Toyota?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

When there are problems with the way different systems in a vehicle communicate with each other using a technology called Controller Area Network (CAN) communication, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are displayed. These codes can be caused by issues with the main bus or branch of the communication network, or with the Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and sensors that make up the different systems. If you see code for both the CAN communication problems and internal or power source problems at the same time, you should focus on fixing the internal or power source problems first.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the U0164 Toyota code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Toyota Models

U0164 2013 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU
U0164 2014 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU
U0164 2015 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU
U0164 2016 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU
U0164 2017 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU
U0164 2018 Toyota RAV4 — Lost Communication with Air Conditioner ECU

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.