U0151: Lost communication with the restraints control module

What U0151 means

The airbag control unit decides when to fire the airbags and tighten the seat belts in a collision. This code means it has stopped talking to the other control units over the data network. While the fault lasts, the system may not work, and the airbag warning light stays on.

Most common causes

• Low battery or unstable voltage during starting
• Blown fuse for the airbag control unit
• Loose or corroded connector on the unit (usually under the centre console or seats)
• Poor ground on the unit
• Damaged network wiring, for example after moving seats or removing the console
• Faulty airbag unit, or one locked after a crash

Symptoms

• Airbag warning light on
• Restraint system fault message
• Seat belt warning not working properly
• Sometimes no symptoms apart from the light

Can you drive with U0151?

With care The car drives normally, but the airbags and pretensioners may not work in an accident. Keep driving to a minimum and get it seen soon.

How to check it

Do not unplug or handle airbag connectors yourself; it can be dangerous. If seats or the console have been worked on recently, tell the garage. After a crash with deployed airbags, the unit usually has to be replaced or reprogrammed.

How to read and clear U0151 with Final OBD

Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see U0151 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

• U0131 Lost communication with the power steering control module
• U0140 Lost communication with the body control module (BCM)
• U0141 Lost communication with body control module A
• U0146 Lost communication with gateway A
• U0155 Lost communication with the instrument cluster
• U0164 Lost communication with the HVAC control module
• U0168 Lost communication with the vehicle security module (immobiliser)
• U0184 Lost communication with the radio
• U0100 Lost communication with engine control module (ECM/PCM A)
• U0101 Lost communication with transmission control module (TCM)
• U0102 Lost communication with transfer case control module
• U0103 Lost communication with the gear shift module

U0151 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Citroën, Cupra, Hyundai, Mini, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.