U0486 Invalid Data Received From Antenna Control Module

U0486 points to the antenna control module: its frames still arrive, yet the receiver, typically the radio or a keyless-entry controller, discards them as corrupt or implausible. U0185 would mean silence. Such modules sit in the roof fin, rear screen or bumper and amplify, combine or switch signals for radio, satellite, navigation, phone or remote key, and some raise a powered mast. Mercedes shows how water affects them: on the G-Class from model year 2019 without sunroof, a crack near the left rear roof rail pan lets water in, the keyless-go controller stores antenna module faults and the key may no longer unlock the car (LI65.10-P-074539); sealing the crack is the repair. No manufacturer documents U0486 itself. Expect weak reception or reduced key range, with no MIL.

Likely causes

Symptoms

• Poor or no radio, satellite or navigation reception
• Remote key does not unlock or works only at short range

Repair estimate

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

Parts involved

Related codes

References: static.nhtsa.gov, en.wikipedia.org.