U017B code meaning
Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor L
What U017B means
U017B means sensor L of the restraint system, the twelfth remote crash sensor in J2012 order, no longer answers. No manufacturer documents U017B publicly, so which component sits behind the letter depends on the car. One example of how sensor counts grow: airbag control units can also run pedestrian protection, fed by acceleration sensors or by a pressure tube in the front bumper. In the Bosch pressure tube system, an air-filled silicone tube in the bumper has a pressure sensor at each end, and the unit can raise an active hood or fire a windshield airbag 10 to 15 ms after striking a pedestrian. Bumper replacement or a parking knock are then typical reasons for a lost sensor. The airbag or pedestrian protection warning lights; no MIL.
U017B 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 U017B
- Airbag or pedestrian protection warning on
- Protective function assigned to sensor L disabled
- Fault appears after body or bumper work
Common causes of U017B
- Most likelySensor or its connector not refitted after bumper replacement
- PossibleSensor or wiring damaged by a minor front or side knock
- PossibleCorroded connector in an exposed mounting position
- Less likelySensor L 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 lCrash signal wiring
What each part of U017B means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 7B | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U017B 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 U017B
What does U017B mean?
U017B means "Lost Communication With Restraints System Sensor L". U017B means sensor L of the restraint system, the twelfth remote crash sensor in J2012 order, no longer answers. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U017B?
U017B does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U017B fail an emissions test?
U017B 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 U017B to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U017B clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.