U0170 code meaning
Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor A
What U0170 means
U0170 is the first slot in the J2012 block for remote restraint sensors: sensor A has gone silent for the airbag control unit or another listener. Chrysler follows that scheme. In the Jeep airbag tables it handed to NHTSA (Wrangler JK 2007-2010, Compass/Patriot MK, Liberty KK, Grand Cherokee WK and Commander XK 2008) U0170 is the up-front left satellite acceleration sensor, and B1B70 reports an internal fault of that same part. GM assigns the number differently: the Saab 9-5 and 9-4X U-code lists give it to the passenger presence detection module, and GM bulletin PI1202 shows the SDM logging U0170 on 2013-14 Enclave, Traverse and Acadia when a harness rubbing on the exhaust disturbs the LAN. Airbag lamp on, no MIL.
U0170 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0170
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Early frontal crash detection on the left reduced (Chrysler)
- On GM vehicles further U-codes in several modules at the same time
Common causes of U0170
- Most likelyConnector at the front satellite sensor unplugged or corroded, often after front-end repairs
- PossibleSensor A or its bracket damaged in a frontal knock
- PossibleOn GM vehicles (passenger presence module) chafed or pinched low-speed LAN wiring
- Less likelySensor input of the airbag control unit faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Restraints system sensor aCrash signal wiring
What each part of U0170 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 70 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0170 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 U0170
What does U0170 mean?
U0170 means "Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor A". U0170 is the first slot in the J2012 block for remote restraint sensors: sensor A has gone silent for the airbag control unit or another listener. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0170?
U0170 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0170 fail an emissions test?
U0170 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 U0170 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0170 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.