Fuel Rail Pressure Signal High
The DD-164-3 (Detroit Diesel DD Series) diesel fault code means: Fuel Rail Pressure Signal High. This is a moderate severity code.
This is a standard J1939 fault, not a proprietary code. DD-164-3 is how this equipment displays SPN 164 with FMI 3 (voltage above normal or shorted high) under the SAE J1939 standard used across heavy equipment. The same SPN can appear on any J1939-compliant machine regardless of brand — so cross-referencing it against your engine maker's documentation is valid even when the equipment brand differs.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- intermediate
- Estimated cost
- $500-$2,200
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light / Amber Warning Lamp illuminated
- Hard starting or extended crank
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Signal wire shorted to voltage Likely
- Failed sensor Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Detroit Diesel fault code DD-164-3?
Detroit Diesel fault DD-164-3 (SPN 164 FMI 3) indicates: Fuel Rail Pressure Signal High. It is a moderate-severity fault and is commonly seen on DD13/DD15/DD16 engines in Freightliner and Western Star chassis.
Can I drive my Freightliner or Western Star with fault DD-164-3?
It depends on severity. Critical and serious faults trigger derate or engine shutdown — do not continue driving. Moderate faults usually allow continued operation short-term but schedule repair to prevent cascading aftertreatment damage.
How much does it cost to fix Detroit Diesel fault DD-164-3?
Estimated repair cost is $500-$2,200. Sensor/harness fixes fall at the low end; turbo actuator, injector, aftertreatment component, or head gasket repairs fall at the high end. Detroit DDDL software and sometimes factory parameter reset are required for proper reset.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Ohm signal wire to 5V ref for short.
Replace sensor if wiring OK.
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J1939-73Application Layer: Diagnostics (defines the SPN/FMI fault-identifier framework)
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- Freightliner Cascadia with DD15
- Freightliner Cascadia with DD13
- Freightliner Cascadia with DD16
- Western Star 4700 with DD13/DD15
- Western Star 4900 with DD15/DD16
- Western Star 5700 XE with DD15
- Freightliner M2 106 with DD13
- Freightliner M2 112 with DD13
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