U0151 Lost communication with the restraints (airbag) control module

Lost communication with airbag module (SRS/SDM)

U0151 in short

U0151 means other modules lost contact with the airbag (restraints) control module. Common causes are wiring, connectors, power or ground, and sometimes the airbag module itself. The airbags may not deploy in a crash while it is set, so do not ignore the airbag light; have it checked by a professional soon.

The restraints control module decides when to fire the airbags and shares its status with other modules. GM calls it the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) and Honda the SRS unit. When other modules stop hearing it, they store U0151 and the airbag light usually comes on.

U0151 often appears with many other U-codes when a shared harness or connector fails. GM traced such groups to a pinched instrument panel harness, water in a body connector and gateway module terminals. On 2007-2009 HD Silverado and Sierra trucks, GM warns that replacing the SDM may fix the problem only for a key cycle or two.

The code is not always an airbag fault. Mazda found the ABS module storing U0151 on some CX-3s because the active driving display stopped CAN traffic, GM reprograms the brake module on some 2020 Equinox and Terrain models, and Ford says a lone U0151 in the SYNC module on some Transit Connects needs no repair.

Most likely causes

  1. Damaged network wiring, connector or gateway terminals

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Network faults are usually wiring. GM's PIT5586 checks the gateway module connector on 2017 trucks with a Service Airbag message, PIT5422 finds water in connector X901, and a Jeep dealer pointed to the CAN C star connector on a 2023 Wrangler with U0151.
    What would change this
    Rises if several modules set U-codes at once or the fault comes and goes. Falls if U0151 is the only code and the wiring is intact.

  2. Airbag module power, ground or fuse fault, or low system voltage

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    A module without power cannot talk. GM's PIT-4857 warns that a new SDM may fail again within a key cycle or two, which points at the circuit rather than the module.
    What would change this
    Rises if the airbag module does not answer a scan tool and its supply tests bad. Falls if power and ground are good.

  3. Failed airbag control module (SRS unit)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Honda A16-006 says an internal part of the SRS unit on 2008-2010 Accords can corrode, and the unit is replaced if U0151 is stored; A16-007 extends SRS unit coverage to 15 years for this code.
    What would change this
    Rises on a covered Accord, or if the module has good power, ground and wiring and still will not communicate.

  4. Software fault in another module (some Mazda, GM and Ford models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mazda 09-035-20 fixes U0151 in the CX-3 ABS module with display software, GM N192285670 reprograms the EBCM on some 2020 Equinox and Terrain, and Ford SSM 49390 says a lone U0151 in the Transit Connect SYNC module needs no repair.
    What would change this
    Rises if U0151 is stored by the ABS, brake or SYNC module on a covered model with no airbag light. Falls if the airbag module itself does not respond.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Have all modules scanned, including the airbag module, and note which module stored U0151 and whether the airbag module answers the scan tool.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Have a shop check the airbag module's fuse, power and ground, and the network wiring and any connectors named in bulletins for your model.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool, multimeter, wiring diagram

    Warning:Airbags are safety-critical. Do not unplug or probe airbag parts or connectors yourself; leave this to a professional.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light or Service Airbag message
  • Several warning lights or service messages at once
  • Service ESC, StabiliTrak or parking brake message (some GM models)
  • Seat belt warning stays on with the belt fastened

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

  • airbag control module:Replacement must be done by a professional and usually needs programming. On 2008-2010 Accords Honda extended SRS unit coverage to 15 years for this code; ask a dealer. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Honda

  • 2008–2010 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A16-006 and A16-007: the SRS unit can corrode internally; it is replaced if U0151 is stored, under coverage extended to 15 years. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • A16-006Status unverified

    SRS unit internal corrosion

    2008–2010accord · issued · NHTSA 10087901

    The SRS unit can fail from internal corrosion; with it failed the airbags will not deploy. Replace the SRS unit if U0151, 51-xx, 53-xx or no communication is present.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • A16-007Status unverified

    SRS unit warranty extended to 15 years

    2008–2010accord · issued · NHTSA 10087903

    Coverage extended to 15 years, no mileage limit, for the SRS indicator on with U0151, 51-xx, 53-xx or no communication.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

  • 2007–2009 · Sierra

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM PIT-4857 (HD trucks): U0151 against the SDM; a replacement SDM may fail again quickly, so check the circuit first. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • PIT-4857Status unverified

    SIR lamp on, scan tool will not communicate with SDM, U0151

    2007–2009sierra · issued · NHTSA 10030750

    HD Silverado and Sierra only. Replacing the SDM may fix it only briefly or it may fail again within a key cycle or two.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • PIT5586Status unverified

    Gauges inoperative, no start, Service Airbag, many U-codes

    2017sierra · issued · NHTSA 10123209

    Check the serial data gateway module X2 connector for terminal concerns. Also Escalade, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Mazda

  • 2018–2020 · CX-3

    Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda 09-035-20: U0151 in the ABS module from the active driving display stopping CAN traffic; software fix. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 09-035-20-3746Status unverified

    Multiple warning lights with U0131:00 and/or U0151:00

    2018–2020cx-3 · issued · NHTSA 10182109

    The active driving display can stop CAN traffic; its software has been modified.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ford

  • 2019–2020 · Transit Connect

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 49390: a lone U0151 in the SYNC module needs no repair. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 49390Status unverified

    U0151 stored in SYNC module

    2019–2020transit-connect · issued · NHTSA 10184632

    If no other codes are present, do not repair; the code does not affect the vehicle.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • U0155Lost communication with the instrument panel cluster

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIC5894 and PIT5586 list U0151 and U0155 together from one harness or gateway connector fault.

  • U0140Lost communication with the body control module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's PIT5422 lists U0140 and U0151 together from water in body connector X901.

  • U0131Lost communication with the power steering control module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda's 09-035-20 lists U0131 and U0151 together in the CX-3 ABS module from one CAN interruption.

  • U0170Lost communication with restraints system sensor A

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    GM's 15-NA-004 and 4142 list U0151 and U0170 together when a network drops out.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

U0151 questions

Will my airbags work with U0151 set?

They may not. Honda says that when its SRS unit fails and the airbag light is on, the airbags will not deploy in a collision. Treat an airbag light with U0151 as a reason to get the car checked soon.

Sources and review

  1. Honda A16-006: SRS unit internal corrosion — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  2. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicators — American Honda Motor Co.
  3. GM PIE-0216: Airbag lamp on, DTC U0151, unable to communicate with SDM — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  4. ASE L1 study guide: Network U-codes — Open Exam Prep
  5. GM PIT5586: gauges inoperative, no start and multiple U-codes including U0422 (2017 trucks/SUVs) — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  6. GM PIT5422: Intermittent MIL, interior lamps or liftgate inoperative, body connector X901 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  7. NHTSA complaint 11540831: 2023 Jeep Wrangler CAN C star connector, U0151 and U0155 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  8. GM PIT-4857: SIR lamp on, Tech 2 will not communicate with SDM, U0151 — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  9. Honda A16-007: SRS unit warranty extension to 15 years — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  10. Mazda 09-035-20: Multiple warning lights with U0131:00 and/or U0151:00 — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  11. GM N192285670: EBCM may set U0125 or U0151, Service ESC message — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  12. Ford SSM 49390: DTC U0151 in SYNC module, no repair — Ford Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  13. GM PIC5894: Multiple cluster warnings, U-codes, pinched DLC branch — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  14. GM 15-NA-004: Intermittent no crank, radio and HVAC inoperative, erratic cluster — General Motors / NHTSA ,
  15. GM 4142: No crank, no start, no communication on low-speed GMLAN — General Motors / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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