U0124 code meaning
Lost Communication With Lateral Acceleration Sensor Module
What U0124 means
With U0124 a controller reports that the frames from the lateral acceleration sensor module have stopped. This sensor tells the stability system how strongly the vehicle is being pushed sideways in a bend; together with yaw rate and steering angle it lets ESC detect skidding. In many cars the lateral and yaw sensing sit in one package, so U0123 and U0124 tend to appear as a pair and point to a shared supply or connector fault. Public manufacturer documents for U0124 itself are missing; the description rests on the J2012 title, CARB's network monitoring rules and GM's note that one inertial module carries all these signals (PIT5187A). Bad lateral data is coded U0536. ESC and traction aid go offline, braking stays normal.
U0124 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0124
- ESC/traction warning lamp lit
- Stability control deactivated
- Frequently logged together with U0123
Common causes of U0124
- Most likelyCorroded or loose plug at the acceleration sensor module
- PossiblePower or ground of the sensor module interrupted
- PossibleChafed bus wires on the way to the sensor
- Less likelySensor module internally faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Lateral acceleration sensorCAN bus wiring
What each part of U0124 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 24 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0124 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about U0124
What does U0124 mean?
U0124 means "Lost Communication With Lateral Acceleration Sensor Module". With U0124 a controller reports that the frames from the lateral acceleration sensor module have stopped. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0124?
U0124 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0124 fail an emissions test?
U0124 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is U0124 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0124 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.