U0479 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor I
What U0479 means
U0479 records that restraints sensor I sends data the airbag controller refuses; U0178 would be silence. No public source assigns the letter I to a mounting point, and a ninth peripheral sensor is rarely documented. Rear impact sensors are one way to reach such counts: Bosch offers its peripheral acceleration sensor for installation at the back of the vehicle, and on MCI coaches service instruction ITS-60877 had a rear impact accelerometer in baggage bay three moved because luggage could trigger it. Airbag lamp on, no MIL.
U0479 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0479
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Code stored in the restraints controller
Common causes of U0479
- PossibleDamaged line or connector to the sensor
- PossibleSensor disturbed by loose cargo or a poor mounting location
- Less likelyInternal sensor fault
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Restraints system sensor i
What each part of U0479 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 79 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0479 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 U0479
What does U0479 mean?
U0479 means "Invalid Data Received From Restraints System Sensor I". U0479 records that restraints sensor I sends data the airbag controller refuses; U0178 would be silence. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0479?
U0479 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0479 fail an emissions test?
U0479 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 U0479 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0479 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.