U0461 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Audible Alert Control Module
What U0461 means
The audible alert control module produces warning chimes, for an unfastened belt, an open door or lights left on; in GM's list of U codes for the 2011 Saab 9-5 the matching node is called chime alarm control module. U0461 is stored when a partner, often the body controller or instrument cluster that requests or confirms the tones, receives status frames from this module that fail plausibility; U0160 is complete silence. No manufacturer documents U0461 publicly. The function has a legal side: FMVSS 208 requires an audible belt reminder lasting between 4 and 8 seconds, so a disturbed chime unit can mean warnings that never sound or keep sounding. Because many current cars generate these tones in the cluster or radio, only some models have a dedicated unit. U0440 concerns the outside pedestrian sound, a different device. No MIL.
U0461 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0461
- Warning chimes missing, wrong or sounding constantly
- Belt reminder without sound
Common causes of U0461
- PossibleSoftware of the chime module or requesting unit not matching
- PossibleLoose plug or weak supply of the chime module
- Less likelyInternal fault of the audible alert module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Audible alert module
What each part of U0461 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 61 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0461 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 U0461
What does U0461 mean?
U0461 means "Invalid Data Received From Audible Alert Control Module". The audible alert control module produces warning chimes, for an unfastened belt, an open door or lights left on; in GM's list of U codes for the 2011 Saab 9-5 the matching node is called chime alarm control module. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0461?
U0461 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0461 fail an emissions test?
U0461 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 U0461 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0461 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.