U0173 code meaning
Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor D
What U0173 means
U0173 tells that the airbag control unit no longer receives data from remote crash sensor D. Such satellite sensors sit in the crumple zone, doors or pillars and report acceleration in one or two axes so the control unit can judge direction and severity of an impact. Chrysler documents the code: in its 2006-2010 Jeep airbag code list U0173 stands for the second left-side satellite acceleration sensor, beside U0170/U0171 (front left/right), U0172 (left side 1) and U0175/U0176 (right side). Which position letter D has on other makes is their choice. The airbag warning lamp lights, protection on that side may be reduced, and there is no MIL. Diagnosis and repair belong to trained staff only.
U0173 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 2.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0173
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Side impact detection on the affected side reduced
- Code stays active until the sensor link is restored
Common causes of U0173
- Most likelyLoose or corroded connector at satellite sensor D
- PossibleSensor line damaged, e.g. in the door or pillar area
- PossibleSatellite sensor D failed (water ingress, impact)
- 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 sensor dCrash signal wiring
What each part of U0173 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 73 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0173 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 U0173
What does U0173 mean?
U0173 means "Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor D". U0173 tells that the airbag control unit no longer receives data from remote crash sensor D. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0173?
U0173 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0173 fail an emissions test?
U0173 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 U0173 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0173 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.