U0494 code meaning
Invalid Data Received From Digital Audio Control Module A
What U0494 means
U0494 is stored when digital audio control module A still communicates but supplies data the receiver will not accept. In GM's 2011 Saab 9-5 and 9-4X lists the matching lost-contact code U0193 belongs to the digital radio receiver, at that time the separate XM satellite tuner. GM bulletin PIT5413 (2015 Enclave, Traverse, Acadia) shows such a receiver as a module of its own with a 16-pin power and GMLAN connector, which must be checked for supply, ground and bus before a replacement is authorised. Other makers may fill slot A with a different device, and none documents U0494 itself. Typical result: satellite or digital channels drop out or show errors while FM keeps playing. No MIL; U0495 is module B.
U0494 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of U0494
- Satellite or digital radio channels missing or showing errors
- Analogue radio and other sources unaffected
Common causes of U0494
- PossibleReceiver software or activation state producing unexpected values
- PossibleSupply, ground or bus fault at the receiver's connector
- Less likelyDigital radio receiver internally defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Digital audio module a
What each part of U0494 means
| U | Network system: communication between the control modules (CAN bus). |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 94 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note U0494 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 U0494
What does U0494 mean?
U0494 means "Invalid Data Received From Digital Audio Control Module A". U0494 is stored when digital audio control module A still communicates but supplies data the receiver will not accept. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with U0494?
U0494 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will U0494 fail an emissions test?
U0494 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 U0494 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will U0494 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.