The U0153 diagnostic trouble code (DTC) signifies a loss of communication with the Side Restraints Control Module (SRCM), also frequently referred to as the Side Impact Sensor or Side Airbag Control Module. This communication breakdown can prevent the side airbags from deploying in a collision, compromising vehicle safety. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle's safety systems and protecting occupants in the event of a side impact.
| Category | Description | Potential Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | U0153: Lost Communication With Side Restraints Control Module | Indicates the vehicle's main computer (ECU/PCM) is unable to communicate with the Side Restraints Control Module (SRCM). |
| Symptoms | Side airbag warning light illuminated, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, Possible inability of side airbags to deploy in a collision, Diagnostic trouble code U0153 present, Other communication-related DTCs may be present, Erroneous airbag deployment (rare). | Malfunctioning SRCM, Wiring harness damage (shorts, opens, corrosion), Faulty connector(s), CAN bus issues, Corrupted SRCM software, Low vehicle battery voltage, Grounding problems, Faulty ECU/PCM (rare). |
| Possible Causes | Failed Side Restraints Control Module (SRCM), Open or shorted circuits in the SRCM wiring harness, Poor electrical connection at the SRCM connector, Corrupted SRCM software, CAN (Controller Area Network) bus malfunction, Low vehicle battery voltage, Faulty ECU/PCM (Engine Control Unit/Powertrain Control Module), Grounding problems. | Damaged wiring due to accidents or rodent activity, Corrosion due to exposure to moisture, Loose or corroded connectors, Software glitch requiring reprogramming, Interference on the CAN bus, Weak battery causing communication errors, Internal failure of the SRCM, Rarely, a failure in the ECU/PCM itself. |
| Diagnostic Steps | Scan vehicle for DTCs, Visually inspect SRCM wiring and connectors, Check SRCM power and ground, Test CAN bus communication, Check battery voltage, Inspect SRCM for physical damage, Consult vehicle-specific wiring diagrams, Perform SRCM self-test (if available), Reprogram SRCM (if applicable), Replace SRCM (if necessary), Inspect and test grounding points. | Use a professional-grade scan tool to read all stored DTCs, Carefully examine the wiring harness for any signs of damage, Use a multimeter to verify proper voltage and ground at the SRCM, Use an oscilloscope to analyze CAN bus signals, Ensure the battery is fully charged and in good condition, Look for any signs of physical damage to the SRCM unit, Refer to the vehicle's service manual for accurate wiring diagrams, Some scan tools offer SRCM self-test capabilities, Contact a qualified technician for SRCM reprogramming, Replacement should only be considered after thorough diagnosis, Ensure solid grounding connections. |
| Severity | High | Failure of the side airbags to deploy can result in serious injury or death in a side-impact collision. |
| Common Mistakes | Replacing the SRCM without proper diagnosis, Ignoring wiring harness issues, Neglecting to check power and ground, Assuming the problem is the SRCM without verifying CAN bus communication, Failing to clear DTCs after repair. | Jumping to conclusions without performing a thorough diagnostic procedure, Overlooking obvious signs of wiring damage, Overlooking the importance of proper voltage and ground connections, Neglecting to verify the integrity of the CAN bus network, Forgetting to clear the DTCs after completing the repair. |
| Related DTCs | U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM/PCM), U0121 (Lost Communication With ABS Control Module), U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module), B-codes related to SRS system, C-codes related to chassis system. | These codes often indicate a broader communication issue on the CAN bus network. |
| Tools Required | OBD-II scan tool, Multimeter, Wiring diagrams, Oscilloscope (optional), Connector test kit, Battery tester. | Professional-grade scan tool for accessing SRS-specific data, Multimeter for voltage and continuity testing, Vehicle-specific wiring diagrams for tracing circuits, Oscilloscope for analyzing CAN bus signals (advanced), Connector test kit for verifying pin connections, Battery tester for assessing battery health. |
| Repair Costs | Variable, depending on the cause. Wiring repairs can be relatively inexpensive. SRCM replacement can be costly. Dealership reprogramming can also add to the cost. | Wiring repairs can range from $50 to $300. SRCM replacement can cost between $300 and $1000, depending on the vehicle and the part. Dealership reprogramming can cost between $100 and $300. |
| Technical Details | The SRCM communicates with other vehicle modules via the CAN bus network. It receives signals from various sensors (e.g., side impact sensors, accelerometers) to determine if a side impact has occurred. | The SRCM relies on a constant flow of data over the CAN bus to function correctly. Interruptions in this data stream can trigger the U0153 code. The SRCM also performs self-diagnostics to detect internal faults. |
Detailed Explanations
Definition: The U0153 code means that the vehicle's main computer (ECU/PCM) can no longer "talk" to the Side Restraints Control Module (SRCM). This module is responsible for controlling the side airbags. The loss of communication prevents the ECU from receiving vital information from the SRCM, and vice-versa.
Symptoms: The most common symptom is the illumination of the side airbag warning light or the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light on the dashboard. Because the system can't communicate, the side airbags might not deploy during a side impact collision. Other communication-related DTCs may also be present. In rare cases, erroneous airbag deployment can occur due to corrupted data.
Possible Causes: The SRCM itself could be faulty and unable to communicate. Wiring problems like shorts, opens, or corrosion in the SRCM's wiring harness are frequent culprits. A loose or corroded connector can also disrupt communication. Corrupted SRCM software might require reprogramming or replacement of the module. A malfunctioning CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, which is the communication network within the vehicle, can also cause the U0153 code. Low vehicle battery voltage can sometimes interfere with communication between modules. In rare cases, a faulty ECU/PCM (Engine Control Unit/Powertrain Control Module) could be the root cause, although this is less common. Grounding problems, where the SRCM isn't properly grounded to the vehicle's chassis, can also lead to communication issues.
Diagnostic Steps: Start by scanning the vehicle for all DTCs using an OBD-II scan tool. Visually inspect the SRCM wiring and connectors for any signs of damage or corrosion. Check the SRCM for proper power and ground using a multimeter. Test the CAN bus communication using an oscilloscope (if available) to ensure data is being transmitted correctly. Check the battery voltage to rule out a low voltage issue. Inspect the SRCM for physical damage. Consult vehicle-specific wiring diagrams to trace the circuits and identify potential breaks or shorts. Some scan tools allow you to perform an SRCM self-test, which can help pinpoint internal faults. If the software is suspected, attempt to reprogram the SRCM using a compatible programming tool. As a last resort, replace the SRCM if all other possibilities have been exhausted. Carefully inspect and test all grounding points associated with the SRCM.
Severity: The severity of the U0153 code is high. If the side airbags are unable to deploy in a side-impact collision, it can result in serious injury or even death to the vehicle occupants. Prompt diagnosis and repair are essential.
Common Mistakes: A common mistake is replacing the SRCM without performing a thorough diagnosis. Ignoring wiring harness issues, such as damaged or corroded wires, is another frequent error. Neglecting to check the power and ground connections to the SRCM can lead to misdiagnosis. Assuming the problem is solely with the SRCM without verifying CAN bus communication is also a mistake. Finally, forgetting to clear the DTCs after completing the repair can cause confusion and lead to unnecessary further troubleshooting.
Related DTCs: Other related DTCs can provide clues to the underlying problem. U0100 (Lost Communication With ECM/PCM), U0121 (Lost Communication With ABS Control Module), and U0140 (Lost Communication With Body Control Module) all indicate a broader communication issue on the CAN bus network. B-codes related to the SRS system and C-codes related to the chassis system may also be present.
Tools Required: You will need an OBD-II scan tool to read and clear DTCs. A multimeter is essential for checking voltage and continuity. Wiring diagrams are crucial for tracing circuits and identifying potential faults. An oscilloscope is helpful for analyzing CAN bus signals, although it's not always necessary. A connector test kit can help verify pin connections and identify corrosion. A battery tester is needed to assess the health of the vehicle's battery.
Repair Costs: Repair costs can vary significantly depending on the cause of the U0153 code. Wiring repairs are generally the least expensive, ranging from $50 to $300. SRCM replacement can be more costly, typically between $300 and $1000, depending on the vehicle and the part. Dealership reprogramming, if required, can add an additional $100 to $300 to the total cost.
Technical Details: The SRCM communicates with other vehicle modules via the CAN bus network, a high-speed communication system that allows various electronic control units (ECUs) to share data. The SRCM relies on signals from various sensors, such as side impact sensors and accelerometers, to determine if a side impact has occurred and whether the side airbags should be deployed. The SRCM also performs self-diagnostics to detect internal faults and ensure the system is functioning correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the U0153 code mean? It means the vehicle's computer can't communicate with the Side Restraints Control Module (SRCM), which controls the side airbags.
Can I drive my car with a U0153 code? While you can drive, it's not recommended as the side airbags may not deploy in a side-impact collision, compromising safety.
What is the first thing I should check when I see a U0153 code? Visually inspect the SRCM wiring and connectors for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
Is it possible to fix the U0153 code myself? Simple wiring repairs or connector cleaning might be possible, but complex diagnostics and SRCM replacement/reprogramming should be left to professionals.
How much does it cost to fix a U0153 code? The cost varies, but wiring repairs are typically cheaper than SRCM replacement, which can range from $300 to $1000.
Conclusion
The U0153 code indicates a critical communication failure with the side airbag system, potentially compromising occupant safety. A thorough diagnostic process, including visual inspection, wiring checks, and CAN bus testing, is essential for identifying the root cause and implementing the appropriate repair. Prompt attention to this issue is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle's safety systems.