U3000 Manufacturer code: on Ford, Honda, Acura and Mazda, the module that stored it found a fault inside itself

Control module internal fault (manufacturer specific)

U3000 in short

On Ford, Honda, Acura and Mazda, U3000 means the module that stored it found a fault inside itself. Which module matters: on Ford it is often the power steering module, on Honda and Acura the airbag unit, and on Mazda the front camera. Low battery voltage can set it falsely. Get it checked soon.

U3000 is a manufacturer code, so it means something only together with the module that stored it and the suffix after it (for example U3000:49 or U3000-49). The makers below use it for a fault the module found inside itself, not a lost message from another module.

On Ford and Lincoln, bulletins show U3000 in the power steering module with lack of steering assist, in the SYNC 3 screen module and in the camera modules. Some of these are false codes: a battery charger connected with the key on, low battery voltage or learned values can set it.

On Honda and Acura, U3000-49 in the SRS unit means an internal failure of the airbag unit, but seat weight sensors often cause it, so the unit should be the last part replaced. On Mazda, U3000:04 in the forward sensing camera points to a camera fault.

Pick your make

U3000 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

Most likely causes

  1. Low battery voltage or a battery charger connected with the key on

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says U3000 in the steering module of the 2020 Escape is set when a charger is connected and the key is cycled on, and links U3000:96 on the 2021 F-150 to low battery voltage.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared after a jump start, charging or a weak battery and clears for good. Falls if it returns with a healthy battery.

  2. Seat weight sensor fault (Honda/Acura SRS)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Mitchell 1 notes that seat weight sensors are a common cause of Honda SRS U3000-49 and that the SRS unit should be the last part replaced.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code stays away with the seat weight sensors unplugged and other codes cleared.

  3. Internal fault in the module that stored it

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The OEM definitions describe an internal module fault: the SRS unit on Honda, the forward sensing camera on Mazda (possibly hardware) and the steering module on Ford.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code returns at once after clearing with good voltage and the other causes ruled out.

  4. False code from software or learned values (Ford camera and SYNC 3 modules)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford says the 2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator can falsely store U3000:42 in the rear camera module, and that SYNC 3 U3000:04 needs no repair if it does not return.
    What would change this
    Rises if there are no symptoms and the code does not return after clearing or the module reset.

What to test first

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

  1. Scan all modules and note which one stored U3000, its suffix and any codes stored with it.

    Low riskTool: scan tool that reads all modules

  2. Test the battery and charging voltage, make sure no charger was connected with the key on, then clear the code and recheck.

    Low riskTool: battery tester or multimeter

  3. Have a shop follow Honda's SRS troubleshooting, starting with the seat weight sensors, before replacing the SRS unit.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with Honda SRS access

    Warning:Airbag work is dangerous. Leave SRS connectors and seat sensors to a trained technician.

Symptoms

  • Airbag (SRS) warning light on (Honda, Acura)
  • Brake light blinking after setting the electric parking brake (2016 Civic)
  • i-ACTIVSENSE or driver-assist warnings (Mazda)
  • Camera display problems or Reverse Brake Assist unavailable (Ford Explorer)
  • Steering Assist Fault message or heavy steering (Ford) Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

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.

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2020 · Escape

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 48831: lack of steering assist with U3000 in the power steering module, set by a battery charger with the key on (also Lincoln Corsair). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2021 · F-150

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 51894 (U3000:96, steering assist fault, low battery voltage) and SSM 49684 (U3000:49 in the front camera module). Whether they are still current is not verified.

  • 2020–2021 · Explorer

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 49437: false U3000:42 and U0415 in the rear camera module (also Lincoln Aviator). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 48831Status unverified

    Lack of power steering assist with U3000 in the PSCM

    2020escape · issued · NHTSA 10176118

    U3000 in the power steering module is set when a battery charger is installed and the key cycled on; it can then be cleared. Also covers the Lincoln Corsair.

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

  • SSM 51894Status unverified

    Lack of steering assist at start-up with U3000:96

    2021f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10241619

    Steering Assist Fault at start-up with U3001 and U3000:96 in the power steering module; may be due to low battery voltage.

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

  • SSM 49684Status unverified

    U3000:49 in the IPMA

    2021f-150 · issued · NHTSA 10189574

    U3000:49 in the front camera module may not clear because of learned values; run the IPMA reset routine.

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

  • SSM 49437Status unverified

    False U0415 and/or U3000:42 in IPMB

    2020–2021explorer · issued · NHTSA 10186401

    2020-2021 Explorer and Aviator built on or before 7 Dec 2020 may falsely store these codes in the rear camera module.

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

Honda

  • 2020–2021

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda A21100B: causes of SRS U3000-49 across many 2020-2021 models. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 2016 · Civic

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda ATS160713: brake light blinking after setting the electric parking brake, with U3000-49. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • A21100BStatus unverified

    SRS DTC U3000-49

    2020–2021accord, civic, cr-v, pilot, odyssey · issued · NHTSA 10206988

    Several causes can store U3000-49 (internal failure of the SRS unit); follow troubleshooting to isolate the part.

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

  • ATS160713Status unverified

    Brake indicator blinking after applying the electric parking brake

    2016civic · issued · NHTSA 10084411

    U3000-49 (ECU internal circuit malfunction) may be set.

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

Acura

  • 2020–2021

    Supported by vehicle data

    Acura B21100A: causes of SRS U3000-49 on 2020-2021 models. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • B21100AStatus unverified

    SRS DTC U3000-49

    2020–2021mdx, rdx, tlx, ilx · issued · NHTSA 10203504

    Acura version of the same article on the causes of SRS U3000-49.

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

Mazda

  • 2019–2023 · Mazda3

    Supported by vehicle data

    Mazda 15-001-25: U3000:04 in the forward sensing camera with i-ACTIVSENSE warnings (also CX-30 and MX-30). Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • 15-001-25Status unverified

    i-ACTIVSENSE warnings with U3000:04

    2019–2023cx-30, mazda3, mx-30 · issued · NHTSA 11014812

    Forward sensing camera internal malfunction, possibly a hardware failure in the camera.

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

  • U0131Lost communication with the power steering control module

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    On Ford vehicles U3000 is often stored by the power steering module itself, while other modules set U0131 when that module goes silent. Both point at the steering module.

  • U0415A module received invalid data from the anti-lock brake (ABS) module

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    Ford's Explorer and Aviator message lists U0415 and U3000:42 together as false codes in the rear camera module.

  • B00A0Occupant classification sensor or control unit fault

    Shares causes Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2021–2023 F-150, Ford's bulletin covers an airbag light with U3000 in the occupant classification module and B00A0 in the restraints module.

All Module network (CAN bus) communication codes

U3000 questions

Why does U3000 mean different things on different cars?

It is a manufacturer code. Look at which module stored it and the suffix after it; on Ford that might be the steering module, on Honda the airbag unit, on Mazda the front camera.

Can a battery charger cause U3000?

Yes on some Fords. Ford says the 2020 Escape steering module sets U3000 when a charger is connected and the key is cycled on, and the code can then be cleared.

Sources and review

  1. Ford SSM 48831: 2020 Escape/Corsair lack of power steering assist with U3000 in the PSCM — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  2. Honda A21100B: SRS DTC U3000-49 (internal failure of the SRS unit) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  3. Mitchell 1: Troubleshooting Honda seat weight sensor — Vehicle Service Pros (Mitchell 1) ,
  4. NHTSA recall 15V340000 (Ford 15S18): loss of electric power steering assist — VehicleSafetyRecalls.com (NHTSA recall data) ,
  5. 2023 Integra Owner's Manual: Indicator, Coming On/Blinking — American Honda Motor Co.
  6. Ford SSM 51894: 2021 F-150 lack of steering assist at start-up with U3000:96 in the PSCM — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  7. Acura B21100A: SRS DTC U3000-49 (internal failure of the SRS unit) — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  8. Mazda 15-001-25: i-ACTIVSENSE/ALH warnings with U3000:04 (forward sensing camera) — Mazda North American Operations / NHTSA ,
  9. Ford SSM 49437: Explorer/Aviator falsely store U0415 and/or U3000:42 in IPMB — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  10. Ford SSM 46048: SYNC 3 U3000:04, B108E:12 and/or U1A00:87 in the APIM — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  11. Ford SSM 49684: 2021 F-150 U3000:49 in the IPMA — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  12. Ford SSM 48233: Transit Connect lack of power steering assist with U0131 — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  13. TSB 25-2465: airbag indicator with U3000 in the OCSM and/or B00A0 in the RCM (supersedes TSB 23-2280) — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  14. Honda Techline ATS160713: Brake indicator blinking after applying the electric parking brake, U3000-49 — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
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