Network, generic

U0471 Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor A

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

U0471 is logged when the airbag controller still receives telegrams from restraints sensor A but rejects their content, for example because of a parity error, a reading outside the sensor's range or values that contradict the other crash sensors. Lost contact would be U0170. In Chrysler's diagnostic lists for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler, Compass, Patriot and Liberty, filed with NHTSA in investigation PE11-019, letter A stands for the left-hand up-front satellite, an acceleration sensor, with B1B70 for its internal fault. GM uses the letter differently: Saab's 2011 9-5 code list names U0170 as the passenger presence detection module, so on GM-based cars sensor A may belong to occupant sensing. Acura reports a silent left front sensor under its own code B0090. Expect the airbag lamp and weaker frontal crash sensing; no MIL.

Likely causes

Water or corrosion at the connector of a front satellite sensor in the engine bay
Sensor or its bracket deformed by a minor frontal impact
Replacement sensor of the wrong part number or orientation fitted

Symptoms

  • Airbag warning lamp stays on
  • Fault code stored in the restraints control module, sometimes with an internal sensor code

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€60–450
Time0.5–1.5 h

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

Parts involved

restraints system sensor a

Related codes

U0170U0472U0452U0151

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