U0151: Lost communication with the restraints control module
The vehicle network is not receiving messages from the airbag and pretensioner control unit. In a crash, the airbags might not deploy. Check soon.
| Code | U0151 |
|---|---|
| System | Communication network |
| Group | U01xx, Lost communication with control units |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
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.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
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 its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- U014B The traction battery wireless charge module is not answering on the car network
- U014C The traction battery management control unit D is not answering on the car
- U014D The door mirror control unit B is not answering on the car network
- U0150 The gateway E is not answering on the car network
- U0152 The left side airbag control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0153 The right side airbag control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0154 The airbag occupant detection control unit is not answering on the car network
- U0155 Lost communication with the instrument cluster
- 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
What does code U0151 mean?
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.
Can you drive with U0151?
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 do you clear U0151?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, U0151 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
