U0174 code meaning
Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor E
What U0174 means
U0174 refers to restraint sensor E, the fifth remote crash sensor in J2012 lettering. No manufacturer documents U0174 publicly. Chrysler's Jeep tables in NHTSA file PE11-019 go from U0173 straight to U0175, so slot E is simply not used there. Where it is fitted, such a sensor usually hangs on a two-wire PSI5 line that carries power and data at once: the control unit sends sync pulses and expects the reply in a fixed time slot, so an open wire, a short or a dead sensor shows up as missing frames. Before buying parts, check with a scan tool whether the airbag unit is really configured for sensor E; a replacement unit with the wrong coding can complain about sensors the car does not have. U0475 is the invalid-data partner. Airbag lamp on, no MIL.
U0174 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 U0174
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Scan tool lists sensor E as not responding
- Deployment paths depending on sensor E may be blocked
Common causes of U0174
- Most likelyConnector at sensor E loose, wet or corroded
- PossibleAirbag unit coded for a sensor E that is not fitted (e.g. after unit replacement)
- PossibleTwo-wire sensor line open or shorted
- Less likelyCrash sensor E internally failed
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Restraints sensor eCrash signal wiring
What each part of U0174 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 74 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0174 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 U0174
What does U0174 mean?
U0174 means "Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor E". U0174 refers to restraint sensor E, the fifth remote crash sensor in J2012 lettering. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0174?
U0174 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0174 fail an emissions test?
U0174 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 U0174 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 U0174 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.